Plant biotin synthase

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a biotin synthases. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a portion of the biotin synthases, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the biotin synthases in a transformed host cell.

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/172,929, filed Dec. 21, 1999.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention is in the field of plant molecular biology. More specifically, this invention pertains to nucleic acid fragments encoding biotin synthase in plants and seeds.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Biotin is an essential component for all living organisms even though many, including humans, cannot synthesize biotin and are dependent upon its uptake from their environment or diet (Eisenberg (1973) Adv Enzymol 38:317-372, Pai (1975) J Bacteriol 121:1-8). Biotin serves as a cofactor that covalently binds to carboxylases and facilitates the transfer of carboxyl groups during enzymatic reactions involving carboxylation, decarboxylation and transcarboxylation (Dakshinamurti and Bhagavan, eds., (1985) “Biotin”, Ann NY Acad Sci 447:1-441; Knowles (1989) Ann Rev Biochem 58:195-221).

[0004] Biotin biosynthesis has been extensively studied in microorganisms, using biotin auxotrophic mutants to characterize the pathway. The biosynthesis of biotin involves four enzymatic steps in all microorganisms that starts with the precursor pimeloyl-CoA. The final step in this pathway involves the addition of sulfur to desthiobiotin to form biotin. The enzyme responsible for this reaction is known as biotin synthase and is encoded by the bioB gene (Birch et al. (1995) J Biol Chem 270:19158-19165).

[0005] The biotin biosynthetic pathway in plant cells has also been elucidated biochemically (Baldet (1993) Eur J Biochem 217:479-485) and genetically (Patton et al. (1998) Plant Physiol 116:935-946. This pathway is very similar to the bacterial pathways. Recent work has shown that increasing the level of biotin synthase activity in cells can direct the production of more biotin (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,859,335 and 5,869,719). The present invention describes the identification of several new plant genes encoding biotin synthase. The use of these genes in plants as targets for herbicide treatment is disclosed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention concerns an isolated polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of: (a) a first nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide of at least 52 amino acids having at least 85% identity based on the Clustal method of alignment when compared to a second polypeptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16, or preferably a third polypeptide of at least 100 amino acids, the polypeptide having a sequence identity of at least 85% identity based on the Clustal method of alignment when compared to a fourth polypeptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32, and (b) a second nucleotide sequence comprising the complement of the first nucleotide sequence.

[0007] In a second embodiment, it is preferred that the isolated polynucleotide of the invention comprises a first nucleotide sequence which comprises a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, and 31, that codes for the polypeptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32.

[0008] In a third embodiment, this invention concerns an isolated polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence of at least 150 (preferably at least 400, most preferably at least 600) contiguous nucleotides derived from a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, and 31, and the complement of such nucleotide sequences.

[0009] In a fourth embodiment, this invention relates to a chimeric gene comprising an isolated polynucleotide of the present invention operably linked to at least one suitable regulatory sequence.

[0010] In a fifth embodiment, the present invention concerns an isolated host cell comprising a chimeric gene of the present invention or an isolated polynucleotide of the present invention. The host cell may be eukaryotic, such as a yeast or a plant cell, or prokaryotic, such as a bacterial cell. The present invention also relates to a virus, preferably a baculovirus, comprising an isolated polynucleotide of the present invention or a chimeric gene of the present invention.

[0011] In a sixth embodiment, the invention also relates to a process for producing an isolated host cell comprising a chimeric gene of the present invention or an isolated polynucleotide of the present invention, the process comprising either transforming or transfecting an isolated suitable host cell with a chimeric gene or isolated polynucleotide of the present invention.

[0012] In a seventh embodiment, the invention concerns a biotin synthase polypeptide of at least 52 amino acids comprising at least 85% identity based on the Clustal method of alignment compared to a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16, or preferably a biotin synthase polypeptide of at least 100 amino acids comprising at least 85% identity based on the Clustal method of alignment compared to a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32.

[0013] In an eighth embodiment, the invention relates to a method of selecting an isolated polynucleotide that affects the level of expression of a biotin synthase polypeptide or enzyme activity in a host cell, preferably a plant cell, the method comprising the steps of: (a) constructing an isolated polynucleotide of the present invention or an isolated chimeric gene of the present invention; (b) introducing the isolated polynucleotide or the isolated chimeric gene into a host cell; (c) measuring the level of the biotin synthase polypeptide or enzyme activity in the host cell containing the isolated polynucleotide; and (d) comparing the level of the biotin synthase polypeptide or enzyme activity in the host cell containing the isolated polynucleotide with the level of the biotin synthase polypeptide or enzyme activity in the host cell that does not contain the isolated polynucleotide.

[0014] In a ninth embodiment, the invention concerns a method of obtaining a nucleic acid fragment encoding a substantial portion of a biotin synthase polypeptide, preferably a plant biotin synthase polypeptide, comprising the steps of: synthesizing an oligonucleotide primer comprising a nucleotide sequence of at least 30 (preferably at least 40, most preferably at least 60) contiguous nucleotides derived from a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, and 31, and the complement of such nucleotide sequences; and amplifying a nucleic acid fragment (preferably a cDNA inserted in a cloning vector) using the oligonucleotide primer. The amplified nucleic acid fragment preferably will encode a substantial portion of a biotin synthase amino acid sequence.

[0015] In a tenth embodiment, this invention relates to a method of obtaining a nucleic acid fragment encoding all or a substantial portion of the amino acid sequence encoding a biotin synthase polypeptide comprising the steps of: probing a cDNA or genomic library with an isolated polynucleotide of the present invention; identifying a DNA clone that hybridizes with an isolated polynucleotide of the present invention; isolating the identified DNA clone; and sequencing the cDNA or genomic fragment that comprises the isolated DNA clone.

[0016] In an eleventh embodiment, this invention concerns a composition, such as a hybridization mixture, comprising an isolated polynucleotide of the present invention.

[0017] In a twelfth embodiment, this invention concerns a method for positive selection of a transformed cell comprising: (a) transforming a host cell with the chimeric gene of the present invention or an expression cassette of the present invention; and (b) growing the transformed host cell, preferably a plant cell, such as a monocot or a dicot, under conditions which allow expression of the biotin synthase polynucleotide in an amount sufficient to complement a null mutant to provide a positive selection means.

[0018] In a thirteenth embodiment, this invention relates to a method of altering the level of expression of a biotin synthase in a host cell comprising: (a) transforming a host cell with a chimeric gene of the present invention; and (b) growing the transformed host cell under conditions that are suitable for expression of the chimeric gene wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the biotin synthase in the transformed host cell.

[0019] A further embodiment of the instant invention is a method for evaluating at least one compound for its ability to inhibit the activity of a biotin synthase, the method comprising the steps of: (a) transforming a host cell with a chimeric gene comprising a nucleic acid fragment encoding a biotin synthase polypeptide, operably linked to suitable regulatory sequences; (b) growing the transformed host cell under conditions that are suitable for expression of the chimeric gene wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of biotin in the transformed host cell; (c) optionally purifying the biotin synthase polypeptide expressed by the transformed host cell; (d) treating the biotin synthase polypeptide with a compound to be tested; and (e) comparing the activity of the biotin synthase polypeptide that has been treated with a test compound to the activity of an untreated biotin synthase polypeptide, thereby selecting compounds with potential for inhibitory activity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND SEQUENCE LISTINGS

[0020] The invention can be more fully understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings and Sequence Listing which form a part of this application.

[0021]FIG. 1 shows a comparison of the amino acid sequences of the barley (SEQ ID NO: 18), corn (SEQ ID NOs:20, 22, and 24), prickly poppy (SEQ ID NO:26), soybean (SEQ ID NOs:28 and 30), and wheat (SEQ ID NO:32) biotin synthase polypeptides to the enzymes from Arabidopsis thaliana (SEQ ID NO:33), fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe, SEQ ID NO:34), and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, SEQ ID NO:35). The conserved iron binding consensus sequence (GXCXEDCXYCXQ) is highlighted in italics and underlined (SEQ ID NO:36).

[0022]FIG. 2 shows a comparison of the sequences from nucleotides 301-441 of clone cdt2c.pk002.c17:fis (SEQ ID NO:19) and the comparable region (nucleotides 253-492) of clone cho1c.pk009.j14:fis (SEQ ID NO:21). The SEQ ID NO:19 sequence has a 99 nucleotide “deletion” from this region with respect to the SEQ ID NO:21 sequence. This region encompasses the conserved iron binding sequence noted in FIG. 1. The “deleted” sequence shown in SEQ ID NO 21 has consensus intron border sequences (GT . . . AG) and the two sequences may represent alternative splice products of the same precursor.

[0023] Table 1 lists the polypeptides that are described herein, the designation of the cDNA clones that comprise the nucleic acid fragments encoding polypeptides representing all or a substantial portion of these polypeptides, and the corresponding identifier (SEQ ID NO:) as used in the attached Sequence Listing. The sequence descriptions and Sequence Listing attached hereto comply with the rules governing nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence disclosures in patent applications as set forth in 37 C.F.R. §1.821-1.825. TABLE 1 Biotin Synthase SEQ ID NO: Protein Clone Designation (Nucleotide) (Amino Acid) barley bsh1.pk0005.d10 1 2 [Hordeum vulgare] maize [Zea mays] cdt2c.pk002.c17 3 4 maize [Zea mays] cho1c.pk009.j14 5 6 maize [Zea mays] Contig of: cca.pk0012.g11 7 8 cco1n.pk069.f1 p0004.cb1hi70r p0041.crtax65r p0094.cssth33r p0094.cssth33ra prickly poppy pps1c.pk008.m8 9 10 [Argemone mexicana] soybean Contig of: [Glycine max] sah1c.pk001.b19 11 12 sfl1.pk128.m2 sgc5c.pk001.j23 sgs2c.pk003.p6 sr1.pk0026.d1 src2c.pk025.k23 ssm.pk0072.h10 soybean sls2c.pk010.124 13 14 [Glycine max] wheat-common wr1.pk0104.b6 15 16 [Triticum aestivum] barley bsh1.pk0005.d10 17 18 [Hordeum vulgare] maize [Zea mays] cdt2c.pk002.c17 19 20 maize [Zea mays] cho1c.pk009.j14 21 22 maize [Zea mays] cca.pk0012.g11:fis 23 24 prickly poppy pps1c.pk008.m8:fis 25 26 [Argemone mexicana] soybean sgc5c.pk001.j23:fis 27 28 [Glycine max] soybean Contig of: [Glycine max] sls1c.pk015.d12 29 30 sls2c.pk010.124:fis wheat-common wr1.pk0104.b6:fis 31 32 [Triticum aestivum]

[0024] The Sequence Listing contains the one letter code for nucleotide sequence characters and the three letter codes for amino acids as defined in conformity with the IUPAC-IUBMB standards described in Nucleic Acids Res. 13:3021-3030 (1985) and in the Biochemical J 219 (No. 2):345-373 (1984) which are herein incorporated by reference. The symbols and format used for nucleotide and amino acid sequence data comply with the requirements of 37 C.F.R. §1.822.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] In the context of this disclosure, a number of terms shall be utilized. The terms “polynucleotide,” “polynucleotide sequence,” “nucleic acid sequence,” and “nucleic acid fragment”/“isolated nucleic acid fragment” are used interchangeably. These terms encompass nucleotide sequences and the like. A polynucleotide may be an RNA or DNA that is single- or double-stranded, that optionally contains synthetic, non-natural or altered nucleotide bases. A polynucleotide in the form of a polymer of DNA may be comprised of one or more segments of cDNA, genomic DNA, synthetic DNA, or mixtures thereof. An isolated polynucleotide of the present invention may include at least 30 contiguous nucleotides, preferably at least 40 contiguous nucleotides, most preferably at least 60 contiguous nucleotides derived from SEQ ID NOs:1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, and 31, or the complement of such sequences.

[0026] The term “isolated” refers to materials, such as nucleic acid molecules and/or proteins, which are substantially free from components that normally accompany or interact with the materials in a naturally occurring environment. Isolated polynucleotides may be purified from a host cell in which they naturally occur. Conventional nucleic acid purification methods known to skilled artisans may be used to obtain isolated polynucleotides. The term also embraces recombinant polynucleotides and chemically synthesized polynucleotides.

[0027] The term “recombinant” means, for example, that a nucleic acid sequence is made by an artificial combination of two otherwise separated segments of sequence, e.g., by chemical synthesis or by the manipulation of isolated nucleic acids by genetic engineering techniques.

[0028] As used herein, “contig” refers to a nucleotide sequence that is assembled from two or more constituent nucleotide sequences that share common or overlapping sequences. For example, the nucleotide sequences of two or more nucleic acid fragments can be compared and aligned in order to identify common or overlapping sequences. Where common or overlapping sequences exist between two or more nucleic acid fragments, the sequences (and thus their corresponding nucleic acid fragments) can be assembled into a single contiguous nucleotide sequence, to form a “contig”.

[0029] As used herein, “substantially similar,” in the case of nucleic acid fragments, refers to changes in one or more nucleotide bases that result in substitution of one or more amino acids, but do not affect the functional properties of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleotide sequence. “Substantially similar” also refers to nucleic acid fragments wherein changes in one or more nucleotide bases does not affect the ability of the nucleic acid fragment to alter gene expression patterns by gene silencing through for example antisense or co-suppression technology. “Substantially similar” also refers to modifications of the nucleic acid fragments of the instant invention such as deletion or insertion of one or more nucleotides that do not substantially affect the functional properties of the resulting transcript vis-a-vis the ability to mediate gene silencing or alteration of the functional properties of the resulting protein molecule. It is therefore understood that the invention encompasses more than the specific exemplary nucleotide or amino acid sequences and includes functional equivalents thereof. The terms “substantially similar” and “corresponding substantially” are used interchangeably herein.

[0030] In one embodiment, substantially similar nucleic acid fragments may be obtained by screening nucleic acid fragments representing subfragments or modifications of the nucleic acid fragments of the instant invention, wherein one or more nucleotides are substituted, deleted and/or inserted, for their ability to affect the level of the polypeptide encoded by the unmodified nucleic acid fragment in a plant or plant cell. For example, a substantially similar nucleic acid fragment representing at least one of 30 contiguous nucleotides derived from the instant nucleic acid fragment can be constructed and introduced into a plant or plant cell. The level of the polypeptide encoded by the unmodified nucleic acid fragment present in a plant or plant cell exposed to the substantially similar nucleic fragment can then be compared to the level of the polypeptide in a plant or plant cell that is not exposed to the substantially similar nucleic acid fragment.

[0031] For example, it is well known in the art that antisense suppression and co-suppression of gene expression may be accomplished using nucleic acid fragments representing less than the entire coding region of a gene, and by using nucleic acid fragments that do not share 100% sequence identity with the gene to be suppressed. Moreover, alterations in a nucleic acid fragment which result in the production of a chemically equivalent amino acid at a given site, but do not effect-the functional properties of the encoded polypeptide, are well known in the art. Thus, a codon for the amino acid alanine, a hydrophobic amino acid, may be substituted by a codon encoding another less hydrophobic residue, such as glycine, or a more hydrophobic residue, such as valine, leucine, or isoleucine. Similarly, changes which result in substitution of one negatively charged residue for another, such as aspartic acid for glutamic acid, or one positively charged residue for another, such as lysine for arginine, can also be expected to produce a functionally equivalent product. Nucleotide changes which result in alteration of the N-terminal and C-terminal portions of the polypeptide molecule would also not be expected to alter the activity of the polypeptide. Each of the proposed modifications is well within the routine skill in the art, as is determination of retention of biological activity of the encoded products. Consequently, an isolated polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence of at least 30 (preferably at least 40, most preferably at least 60) contiguous nucleotides derived from a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, and 31, and the complement of such nucleotide sequences may be used in methods of selecting an isolated polynucleotide that affects the expression of a biotin synthase polypeptide in a host cell. A method of selecting an isolated polynucleotide that affects the level of expression of a polypeptide in a virus or in a host cell (eukaryotic, such as a plant cell or a yeast cell, or prokaryotic such as a bacterial cell) may comprise the steps of constructing an isolated polynucleotide of the present invention or an isolated chimeric gene of the present invention; introducing the isolated polynucleotide or the isolated chimeric gene into a host cell; measuring the level of a polypeptide or enzyme activity in the host cell containing the isolated polynucleotide; and comparing the level of a polypeptide or enzyme activity in the host cell containing the isolated polynucleotide with the level of a polypeptide or enzyme activity in a host cell that does not contain the isolated polynucleotide.

[0032] Moreover, substantially similar nucleic acid fragments may also be characterized by their ability to hybridize. Estimates of such homology are provided by either DNA-DNA or DNA-RNA hybridization under conditions of stringency as is well understood by those skilled in the art (Hames and Higgins, Eds. (1985) Nucleic Acid Hybridisation, IRL Press, Oxford, U.K.). Stringency conditions can be adjusted to screen for moderately similar fragments, such as homologous sequences from distantly related organisms, to highly similar fragments, such as genes that duplicate functional enzymes from closely related organisms. Post-hybridization washes determine stringency conditions. One set of preferred conditions uses a series of washes starting with 6×SSC, 0.5% SDS at room temperature for 15 min, then repeated with 2×SSC, 0.5% SDS at 45° C. for 30 min, and then repeated twice with 0.2×SSC, 0.5% SDS at 50° C. for 30 min. A more preferred set of stringent conditions uses higher temperatures in which the washes are identical to those above except for the temperature of the final two 30 min washes in 0.2×SSC, 0.5% SDS was increased to 60° C. Another preferred set of highly stringent conditions uses two final washes in 0. IX SSC, 0.1% SDS at 65° C.

[0033] Substantially similar nucleic acid fragments of the instant invention may also be characterized by the percent identity of the amino acid sequences that they encode to the amino acid sequences disclosed herein, as determined by algorithms commonly employed by those skilled in this art.

[0034] Suitable nucleic acid fragments (isolated polynucleotides of the present invention) encode polypeptides that are at least about 80% identical, preferably at least about 85%, more preferably at least about 90%, still more preferably at least about 95%, and most preferably at least about 98% identical to the amino acid sequences reported herein.

[0035] Suitable nucleic acid fragments not only have the above identities but typically encode a polypeptide having at least 20, preferably 40, more preferably 50, still more preferably 80, more preferably at least 100, more preferably at least 150 amino acids, preferably at least 200 amino acids, more preferably at least 250 amino acids, still more preferably at least 300 amino acids, again more preferably at least 350 amino acids, and most preferably at least 400 amino acids. Sequence alignments and percent identity calculations were performed using the Megalign program of the LASERGENE bioinformatics computing suite (DNASTAR Inc., Madison, Wis.). Multiple alignment of the sequences was performed using the Clustal method of alignment (Higgins and Sharp (1989) CABIOS. 5:151-153) with the default parameters (GAP PENALTY=10, GAP LENGTH PENALTY=10). Default parameters for pairwise aligmnents using the Clustal method were KTUPLE 1, GAP PENALTY=3, WINDOW=5 and DIAGONALS SAVED=5.

[0036] A “substantial portion” of an amino acid or nucleotide sequence comprises an amino acid or a nucleotide sequence that is sufficient to afford putative identification of the protein or gene that the amino acid or nucleotide sequence comprises. Amino acid and nucleotide sequences can be evaluated either manually by one skilled in the art, or by using computer-based sequence comparison and identification tools that employ algorithms such as BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool; Altschul et al. (1993) J Mol. Biol. 215:403-410; see also www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/BLAST/). In general, a sequence of ten or more contiguous amino acids or thirty or more contiguous nucleotides is necessary in order to putatively identify a polypeptide or nucleic acid sequence as homologous to a known protein or gene. Moreover, with respect to nucleotide sequences, gene-specific oligonucleotide probes comprising 30 or more contiguous nucleotides may be used in sequence-dependent methods of gene identification (e.g., Southern hybridization) and isolation (e.g., in situ hybridization of bacterial colonies or bacteriophage plaques). In addition, short oligonucleotides of 12 or more nucleotides may be used as amplification primers in PCR in order to obtain a particular nucleic acid fragment comprising the primers. Accordingly, a “substantial portion” of a nucleotide sequence comprises a nucleotide sequence that will afford specific identification and/or isolation of a nucleic acid fragment comprising the sequence. The instant specification teaches amino acid and nucleotide sequences encoding polypeptides that comprise one or more particular plant proteins. The skilled artisan, having the benefit of the sequences as reported herein, may now use all or a substantial portion of the disclosed sequences for purposes known to those skilled in this art. Accordingly, the instant invention comprises the complete sequences as reported in the accompanying Sequence Listing, as well as substantial portions of those sequences as defined above.

[0037] “Codon degeneracy” refers to divergence in the genetic code permitting variation of the nucleotide sequence without effecting the amino acid sequence of an encoded polypeptide. Accordingly, the instant invention relates to any nucleic acid fragment comprising a nucleotide sequence that encodes all or a substantial portion of the amino acid sequences set forth herein. The skilled artisan is well aware of the “codon-bias” exhibited by a specific host cell in usage of nucleotide codons to specify a given amino acid. Therefore, when synthesizing a nucleic acid fragment for improved expression in a host cell, it is desirable to design the nucleic acid fragment such that its frequency of codon usage approaches the frequency of preferred codon usage of the host cell.

[0038] “Synthetic nucleic acid fragments” can be assembled from oligonucleotide building blocks that are chemically synthesized using procedures known to those skilled in the art. These building blocks are ligated and annealed to form larger nucleic acid fragments which may then be enzymatically assembled to construct the entire desired nucleic acid fragment. “Chemically synthesized”, as related to a nucleic acid fragment, means that the component nucleotides were assembled in vitro. Manual chemical synthesis of nucleic acid fragments may be accomplished using well established procedures, or automated chemical synthesis can be performed using one of a number of commercially available machines. Accordingly, the nucleic acid fragments can be tailored for optimal gene expression based on optimization of the nucleotide sequence to reflect the codon bias of the host cell. The skilled artisan appreciates the likelihood of successful gene expression if codon usage is biased towards those codons favored by the host. Determination of preferred codons can be based on a survey of genes derived from the host cell where sequence information is available.

[0039] “Gene” refers to a nucleic acid fragment that expresses a specific protein, including regulatory sequences preceding (5′ non-coding sequences) and following (3′ non-coding sequences) the coding sequence. “Native gene” refers to a gene as found in nature with its own regulatory sequences. “Chimeric gene” refers any gene that is not a native gene, comprising regulatory and coding sequences that are not found together in nature. Accordingly, a chimeric gene may comprise regulatory sequences and coding sequences that are derived from different sources, or regulatory sequences and coding sequences derived from the same source, but arranged in a manner different than that found in nature. “Endogenous gene” refers to a native gene in its natural location in the genome of an organism. A “foreign-gene” refers to a gene not normally found in the host organism, but that is introduced into the host organism by gene transfer. Foreign genes can comprise native genes inserted into a non-native organism, or chimeric genes. A “transgene” is a gene that has been introduced into the genome by a transformation procedure.

[0040] “Coding sequence” refers to a nucleotide sequence that codes for a specific amino acid sequence. “Regulatory sequences” refer to nucleotide sequences located upstream (5′ non-coding sequences), within, or downstream (3′ non-coding sequences) of a coding sequence, and which influence the transcription, RNA processing or stability, or translation of the associated coding sequence. Regulatory sequences may include promoters, translation leader sequences, introns, and polyadenylation recognition sequences.

[0041] “Promoter” refers to a nucleotide sequence capable of controlling the expression of a coding sequence or functional RNA. In general, a coding sequence is located 3′ to a promoter sequence. The promoter sequence consists of proximal and more distal upstream elements, the latter elements often referred to as enhancers. Accordingly, an “enhancer” is a nucleotide sequence which can stimulate promoter activity and may be an innate element of the promoter or a heterologous element inserted to enhance the level or tissue-specificity of a promoter. Promoters may be derived in their entirety from a native gene, or may be composed of different elements derived from different promoters found in nature, or may even comprise synthetic nucleotide segments. It is understood by those skilled in the art that different promoters may direct the expression of a gene in different tissues or cell types, or at different stages of development, or in response to different environmental conditions. Promoters which cause a nucleic acid fragment to be expressed in most cell types at most times are commonly referred to as “constitutive promoters”. New promoters of various types useful in plant cells are constantly being discovered; numerous examples may be found in the compilation by Okamuro and Goldberg (1989) Biochemistry of Plants 15:1-82. It is further recognized that since in most cases the exact boundaries of regulatory sequences have not been completely defined, nucleic acid fragments of different lengths may have identical promoter activity.

[0042] “Translation leader sequence” refers to a nucleotide sequence located between the promoter sequence of a gene and the coding sequence. The translation leader sequence is present in the fully processed mRNA upstream of the translation start sequence. The translation leader sequence may affect processing of the primary transcript to mRNA, mRNA stability or translation efficiency. Examples of translation leader sequences have been described (Turner and Foster (1995) Mol. Biotechnol. 3:225-236).

[0043] “3′ non-coding sequences” refer to nucleotide sequences located downstream of a coding sequence and include polyadenylation recognition sequences and other sequences encoding regulatory signals capable of affecting mRNA processing or gene expression. The polyadenylation signal is usually characterized by affecting the addition of polyadenylic acid tracts to the 3′ end of the mRNA precursor. The use of different 3′ non-coding sequences is exemplified by Ingelbrecht et al. (1989) Plant Cell 1:671-680.

[0044] “RNA transcript” refers to the product resulting from RNA polymerase-catalyzed transcription of a DNA sequence. When the RNA transcript is a perfect complementary copy of the DNA sequence, it is referred to as the primary transcript or it may be a RNA sequence derived from posttranscriptional processing of the primary transcript and is referred to as the mature RNA. “Messenger RNA (mRNA)” refers to the RNA that is without introns and that can be translated into polypeptides by the cell. “cDNA” refers to DNA that is complementary to and derived from an mRNA template. The cDNA can be single-stranded or converted to double stranded form using, for example, the Klenow fragment of DNA polymerase I. “Sense-RNA” refers to an RNA transcript that includes the mRNA and so can be translated into a polypeptide by the cell. “Antisense RNA” refers to an RNA transcript that is complementary to all or part of a target primary transcript or mRNA and that blocks the expression of a target gene (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,107,065, incorporated herein by reference). The complementarity of an antisense RNA may be with any part of the specific nucleotide sequence, i.e., at the 5′ non-coding sequence, 3′ non-coding sequence, introns, or the coding sequence. “Functional RNA” refers to sense RNA, antisense RNA, ribozyme RNA, or other RNA that may not be translated but yet has an effect on cellular processes.

[0045] The term “operably linked” refers to the association of two or more nucleic acid fragments on a single polynucleotide so that the function of one is affected by the other. For example, a promoter is operably linked with a coding sequence when it is capable of affecting the expression of that coding sequence (i.e., that the coding sequence is under the transcriptional control of the promoter). Coding sequences can be operably linked to regulatory sequences in sense or antisense orientation.

[0046] The term “expression”, as used herein, refers to the transcription and stable accumulation of sense (mRNA) or antisense RNA derived from the nucleic acid fragment of the invention. Expression may also refer to translation of mRNA into a polypeptide. “Antisense inhibition” refers to the production of antisense RNA transcripts capable of suppressing the expression of the target protein. “Overexpression” refers to the production of a gene product in transgenic organisms that exceeds levels of production in normal or non-transformed organisms. “Co-suppression” refers to the production of sense RNA transcripts capable of suppressing the expression of identical or substantially similar foreign or endogenous genes (U.S. Pat. No. 5,231,020, incorporated herein by reference).

[0047] A “protein” or “polypeptide” is a chain of amino acids arranged in a specific order determined by the coding sequence in a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide. Each protein or polypeptide has a unique function. “Altered levels” or “altered expression” refers to the production of gene product(s) in transgenic organisms in amounts or proportions that differ from that of normal or non-transformed organisms. “Null mutant” refers here to a host cell which either lacks the expression of a certain polypeptide or expresses a polypeptide which is inactive or does not have any detectable expected enzymatic function. “Mature protein” or the term “mature” when used in describing a protein refers to a post-translationally processed polypeptide; i.e., one from which any pre- or propeptides present in the primary translation product have been removed. “Precursor protein” or the term “precursor” when used in describing a protein refers to the primary product of translation of mRNA; i.e., with pre- and propeptides still present. Pre- and propeptides may be but are not limited to intracellular localization signals.

[0048] A “chloroplast transit peptide” is an amino acid sequence which is translated in conjunction with a protein and directs the protein to the chloroplast or other plastid types present in the cell in which the protein is made. “Chloroplast transit sequence” refers to a nucleotide sequence that encodes a chloroplast transit peptide. A “signal peptide” is an amino acid sequence which is translated in conjunction with a protein and directs the protein to the secretory system (Chrispeels (1991) Ann. Rev. Plant Phys. Plant Mol. Biol. 42:21-53). If the protein is to be directed to a vacuole, a vacuolar targeting signal (supra) can further be added, or if to the endoplasmic reticulum, an endoplasmic reticulum retention signal (supra) may be added. If the protein is to be directed to the nucleus, any signal peptide present should be removed and instead a nuclear localization signal included (Raikhel (1992) Plant Phys. 100:1627-1632).

[0049] “Transformation” refers to the transfer of a nucleic acid fragment into the genome of a host organism, resulting in genetically stable inheritance. Host organisms containing the transformed nucleic acid fragments are referred to as “transgenic” organisms. Examples of methods of plant transformation include Agrobacterium-mediated transformation (De Blaere et al. (1987) Meth. Enzymol. 143:277) and particle-accelerated or “gene gun”, transformation technology (Klein et al. (1987) Nature (London) 327:70-73; U.S. Pat. No. 4,945,050, incorporated herein by reference). Thus, isolated polynucleotides of the present invention can be incorporated into recombinant constructs, typically DNA constructs, capable of introduction into and replication in a host cell. Such a construct can be a vector that includes a replication system and sequences that are capable of transcription and translation of a polypeptide-encoding sequence in a given host cell. A number of vectors suitable for stable transfection of plant cells or for the establishment of transgenic plants have been described in, e.g., Pouwels et al., Cloning Vectors: A Laboratory Manual, 1985, supp. 1987; Weissbach and Weissbach, Methods for Plant Molecular Biology, Academic Press, 1989; and Flevin et al., Plant Molecular Biology Manual, Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1990. Typically, plant expression vectors include, for example, one or more cloned plant genes under the transcriptional control of 5′ and 3′ regulatory sequences and a dominant selectable marker. Such plant expression vectors also can contain a promoter regulatory region (e.g., a regulatory region controlling inducible or constitutive, environmentally- or developmentally-regulated, or cell- or tissue-specific expression), a transcription initiation start site, a ribosome binding site, an RNA processing signal, a transcription termination site, and/or a polyadenylation signal.

[0050] Standard recombinant DNA and molecular cloning techniques used herein are well known in the art and are described more fully in Sambrook et al. Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual; Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press: Cold Spring Harbor, 1989 (hereinafter “Maniatis”). “PCR” or “polymerase chain reaction” is well known by those skilled in the art as a technique used for the amplification of specific DNA segments (U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,683,195 and 4,800,159).

[0051] The present invention concerns an isolated polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of: (a) first nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide of at least 52 amino acids having at least 85% identity based on the Clustal method of alignment when compared to a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16, or preferably a polypeptide of at least 100 amino acids having at least 85% identity based on the Clustal method of alignment when compared to a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32, or (b) a second nucleotide sequence comprising the complement of the first nucleotide sequence.

[0052] Preferably, the first nucleotide sequence comprises a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, and 31, that codes for the polypeptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16.

[0053] Nucleic acid fragments encoding at least a portion of several biotin synthases have been isolated and identified by comparison of random plant cDNA sequences to public databases containing nucleotide and protein sequences using the BLAST algorithms well known to those skilled in the art. The nucleic acid fragments of the instant invention may be used to isolate cDNAs and genes encoding homologous proteins from the same or other plant species. Isolation of homologous genes using sequence-dependent protocols is well known in the art. Examples of sequence-dependent protocols include, but are not limited to, methods of nucleic acid hybridization, and methods of DNA and RNA amplification as exemplified by various uses of nucleic acid amplification technologies (e.g., polymerase chain reaction, ligase chain reaction).

[0054] For example, genes encoding other biotin synthases, either as cDNAs or genomic DNAs, could be isolated directly by using all or a portion of the instant nucleic acid fragments as DNA hybridization probes to screen libraries from any desired plant employing methodology well known to those skilled in the art. Specific oligonucleotide probes based upon the instant nucleic acid sequences can be designed and synthesized by methods known in the art (Maniatis). Moreover, an entire sequence can be used directly to synthesize DNA probes by methods known to the skilled artisan such as random primer DNA labeling, nick translation, end-labeling techniques, or RNA probes using available in vitro transcription systems. In addition, specific primers can be designed and used to amplify a part or all of the instant sequences. The resulting amplification products can be labeled directly during amplification reactions or labeled after amplification reactions, and used as probes to isolate full length cDNA or genomic fragments under conditions of appropriate stringency.

[0055] In addition, two short segments of the instant nucleic acid fragments may be used in polymerase chain reaction protocols to amplify longer nucleic acid fragments encoding homologous genes from DNA or RNA. The polymerase chain reaction may also be performed on a library of cloned nucleic acid fragments wherein the sequence of one primer is derived from the instant nucleic acid fragments, and the sequence of the other primer takes advantage of the presence of the polyadenylic acid tracts to the 3′ end of the mRNA precursor encoding plant genes. Alternatively, the second primer sequence may be based upon sequences derived from the cloning vector. For example, the skilled artisan can follow the RACE protocol (Frohman et al. (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:8998-9002) to generate cDNAs by using PCR to amplify copies of the region between a single point in the transcript and the 3′ or 5′ end. Primers oriented in the 3′ and 5′ directions can be designed from the instant sequences. Using commercially available 3′ RACE or 5′ RACE systems (BRL), specific 3′ or 5′ cDNA fragments can be isolated (Ohara et al. (1989) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86:5673-5677; Loh et al. (1989) Science 243:217-220). Products generated by the 3′ and 5′ RACE procedures can be combined to generate full-length cDNAs (Frohman and Martin (1989) Techniques 1:165). Consequently, a polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence of at least 30 (preferably one of at least 40, most preferably at least 60) contiguous nucleotides derived from a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, and 31, and the complement of such nucleotide sequences may be used in such methods to obtain a nucleic acid fragment encoding a substantial portion of an amino acid sequence of a polypeptide.

[0056] The present invention relates to a method of obtaining a nucleic acid fragment encoding a substantial portion of a biotin synthase polypeptide, preferably a substantial portion of a plant biotin synthase polypeptide, comprising the steps of: synthesizing an oligonucleotide primer comprising a nucleotide sequence of at least 30 (preferably at least 40, most preferably at least 60) contiguous nucleotides derived from a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, and 31, and the complement of such nucleotide sequences; and amplifying a nucleic acid fragment (preferably a cDNA inserted in a cloning vector) using the oligonucleotide primer. The amplified nucleic acid fragment preferably will encode a portion of a biotin synthase polypeptide.

[0057] Availability of the instant nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences facilitates immunological screening of cDNA expression libraries. Synthetic peptides representing portions of the instant amino acid sequences may be synthesized. These peptides can be used to immunize animals to produce polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies with specificity for peptides or proteins comprising the amino acid sequences. These antibodies can be then be used to screen cDNA expression libraries to isolate full-length cDNA clones of interest (Lerner (1984) Adv. Immunol. 36:1-34; Maniatis).

[0058] In another embodiment, this invention concerns viruses and host cells comprising either the chimeric genes of the invention as described herein or an isolated polynucleotide of the invention as described herein. Examples of host cells which can be used to practice the invention include, but are not limited to, a yeast cell, a bacterial cell, and a plant cell.

[0059] As was noted above, the nucleic acid fragments of the instant invention may be used to create transgenic plants in which the disclosed polypeptides are overexpressed, or their expression is suppressed, in various cell types or developmental stages. This would have the effect of altering the level of biotin in those cells. Biotin synthase could also be used as a target for herbicides since the loss of the enzyme leads to and embryo-defective phenotype (Patton et al. (1998) Plant Physiol 116: 935-946). Altering the levels of biotin synthase in cells could make them more or less susceptible to herbicidal compounds.

[0060] Overexpression of the proteins of the instant invention may be accomplished by first constructing a chimeric gene in which the coding region is operably linked to a promoter capable of directing expression of a gene in the desired tissues at the desired stage of development. The chimeric gene may comprise promoter sequences and translation leader sequences derived from the same genes. 3′ Non-coding sequences encoding transcription termination signals may also be provided. The instant chimeric gene may also comprise one or more introns in order to facilitate gene expression.

[0061] Plasmid vectors comprising the instant isolated polynucleotide (or chimeric gene) may be constructed. The skilled artisan readily recognizes that the choice of plasmid vector is dependent upon many factors, such as whether the vector is for protein expression, gene-overexpression or suppression, and in what type of host cell the vectors are propagated. The choice of plasmid vector is dependent upon the method that will be used to transform host plants. The skilled artisan is well aware of the genetic elements that must be present on the plasmid vector in order to successfully transform, select and propagate host cells containing the chimeric gene. The skilled artisan will also recognize that different independent transformation events will result in different levels and patterns of expression (Jones et al. (1985) EMBO J 4:2411-2418; De Almeida et al. (1989) Mol. Gen. Genetics 218:78-86), and thus that multiple events must be screened in order to obtain lines displaying the desired expression level and pattern. Such screening may be accomplished by Southern analysis of DNA, Northern analysis of mRNA expression, Western analysis of protein expression, or phenotypic analysis.

[0062] For some applications it may be useful to direct the instant polypeptides to different cellular compartments, or to facilitate its secretion from the cell. It is thus envisioned that the chimeric gene described above may be further supplemented by directing the coding sequence to encode the instant polypeptides with appropriate intracellular targeting sequences such as transit sequences (Keegstra (1989) Cell 56:247-253), signal sequences or sequences encoding endoplasmic reticulum localization (Chrispeels (1991) Ann. Rev. Plant Phys. Plant Mol. Biol. 42:21-53), or nuclear localization signals (Raikhel (1992) Plant Phys. 100: 1627-1632) with or without removing targeting sequences that are already present. While the references cited give examples of each of these, the list is not exhaustive and more targeting signals of use may be discovered in the future.

[0063] It may also be desirable to reduce or eliminate expression of genes encoding the instant polypeptides in plants for some applications. In order to accomplish this, a chimeric gene designed for co-suppression of the instant polypeptide can be constructed by linking a gene or gene fragment encoding that polypeptide to plant promoter sequences. Alternatively, a chimeric gene designed to express antisense RNA for all or part of the instant nucleic acid fragment can be constructed by linking the gene or gene fragment in reverse orientation to plant promoter sequences. Either the co-suppression or antisense chimeric genes could be introduced into plants via transformation wherein expression of the corresponding endogenous genes are reduced or eliminated.

[0064] Molecular genetic solutions to the generation of plants with altered gene expression have a decided advantage over more traditional plant breeding approaches. Changes in plant phenotypes can be produced by specifically inhibiting expression of one or more genes by antisense inhibition or cosuppression (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,190,931, 5,107,065 and 5,283,323). An antisense or cosuppression construct would act as a dominant negative regulator of gene activity. While conventional mutations can yield negative regulation of gene activity these effects are most likely recessive. The dominant negative regulation available with a transgenic approach may be advantageous from a breeding perspective. In addition, the ability to restrict the expression of a specific phenotype to the reproductive tissues of the plant by the use of tissue specific promoters may confer agronomic advantages relative to conventional mutations which may have an effect in all tissues in which a mutant gene is ordinarily expressed.

[0065] The person skilled in the art will know that special considerations are associated with the use of antisense or cosuppression technologies in order to reduce expression of particular genes. For example, the proper level of expression of sense or antisense genes may require the use of different chimeric genes utilizing different regulatory elements known to the skilled artisan. Once transgenic plants are obtained by one of the methods described above, it will be necessary to screen individual transgenics for those that most effectively display the desired phenotype. Accordingly, the skilled artisan will develop methods for screening large numbers of transformants. The nature of these screens will generally be chosen on practical grounds. For example, one can screen by looking for changes in gene expression by using antibodies specific for the protein encoded by the gene being suppressed, or one could establish assays that specifically measure enzyme activity. A preferred method will be one which allows large numbers of samples to be processed rapidly, since it will be expected that a large number of transformants will be negative for the desired phenotype.

[0066] In another embodiment, the present invention concerns a polypeptide of at least 52 amino acids that has at least 85% identity based on the Clustal method of alignment when compared to a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16, or preferably a polypeptide of at least 100 amino acids that has at least 85% identity based on the Clustal method of alignment when compared to a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32.

[0067] The instant polypeptides (or portions thereof) may be produced in heterologous host cells, particularly in the cells of microbial hosts, and can be used to prepare antibodies to these proteins by methods well known to those skilled in the art. The antibodies are useful for detecting the polypeptides of the instant invention in situ in cells or in vitro in cell extracts. Preferred heterologous host cells for production of the instant polypeptides are microbial hosts. Microbial expression systems and expression vectors containing regulatory sequences that direct high level expression of foreign proteins are well known to those skilled in the art. Any of these could be used to construct a chimeric gene for production of the instant polypeptides. This chimeric gene could then be introduced into appropriate microorganisms via transformation to provide high level expression of the encoded biotin synthases. An example of a vector for high level expression of the instant polypeptides in a bacterial host is provided (Example 6).

[0068] Additionally, the instant polypeptides can be used as a target to facilitate design and/or identification of inhibitors of those enzymes that may be useful as herbicides. This is desirable because the polypeptides described herein catalyze various steps in biotin biosynthesis. Accordingly, inhibition of the activity of one or more of the enzymes described herein could lead to inhibition of plant growth. Thus, the instant polypeptides could be appropriate for new herbicide discovery and design.

[0069] All or a substantial portion of the polynucleotides of the instant invention may also be used as probes for genetically and physically mapping the genes that they are a part of, and used as markers for traits linked to those genes. Such information may be useful in plant breeding in order to develop lines with desired phenotypes. For example, the instant nucleic acid fragments may be used as restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers. Southern blots (Maniatis) of restriction-digested plant genomic DNA may be probed with the nucleic acid fragments of the instant invention. The resulting banding patterns may then be subjected to genetic analyses using computer programs such as MapMaker (Lander et al. (1987) Genomics 1:174-181) in order to construct a genetic map. In addition, the nucleic acid fragments of the instant invention may be used to probe Southern blots containing restriction endonuclease-treated genomic DNAs of a set of individuals representing parent and progeny of a defined genetic cross. Segregation of the DNA polymorphisms is noted and used to calculate the position of the instant nucleic acid sequence in the genetic map previously obtained using this population (Botstein et al. (1980) Am. J. Hum. Genet. 32:314-331).

[0070] The production and use of plant gene-derived probes for use in genetic mapping is described in Bematzky and Tanksley (1986) Plant Mol. Biol. Reporter 4:37-41. Numerous publications describe genetic mapping of specific cDNA clones using the methodology outlined above or variations thereof. For example, F2 intercross populations, backcross populations, randomly mated populations, near isogenic lines, and other sets of individuals may be used for mapping. Such methodologies are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0071] Nucleic acid probes derived from the instant nucleic acid sequences may also be used for physical mapping (i.e., placement of sequences on physical maps; see Hoheisel et al. In: Nonmammalian Genomic Analysis: A Practical Guide, Academic press 1996, pp. 319-346, and references cited therein).

[0072] In another embodiment, nucleic acid probes derived from the instant nucleic acid sequences may be used in direct fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) mapping (Trask (1991) Trends Genet. 7:149-154). Although current methods of FISH mapping favor use of large clones (several to several hundred KB; see Laan et al. (1995) Genome Res. 5:13-20), improvements in sensitivity may allow performance of FISH mapping using shorter probes.

[0073] A variety of nucleic acid amplification-based methods of genetic and physical mapping may be carried out using the instant nucleic acid sequences. Examples include allele-specific amplification (Kazazian (1989) J. Lab. Clin. Med. 11:95-96), polymorphism of PCR-amplified fragments (CAPS; Sheffield et al. (1993) Genomics 16:325-332), allele-specific ligation (Landegren et al. (1988) Science 241:1077-1080), nucleotide extension reactions (Sokolov (1990) Nucleic Acid Res. 18:3671), Radiation Hybrid Mapping (Walter et al. (1997) Nat. Genet. 7:22-28) and Happy Mapping (Dear and Cook (1989) Nucleic Acid Res. 17:6795-6807). For these methods, the sequence of a nucleic acid fragment is used to design and produce primer pairs for use in the amplification reaction or in primer extension reactions. The design of such primers is well known to those skilled in the art. In methods employing PCR-based genetic mapping, it may be necessary to identify DNA sequence differences between the parents of the mapping cross in the region corresponding to the instant nucleic acid sequence. This, however, is generally not necessary for mapping methods.

[0074] Loss of function mutant phenotypes may be identified for the instant cDNA clones either by targeted gene disruption protocols or by identifying specific mutants for these genes contained in a maize population carrying mutations in all possible genes (Ballinger and Benzer (1989) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci USA 86:9402-9406; Koes et al. (1995) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci USA 92:8149-8153; Bensen et al. (1995) Plant Cell 7:75-84). The latter approach may be accomplished in two ways. First, short segments of the instant nucleic acid fragments may be used in polymerase chain reaction protocols in conjunction with a mutation tag sequence primer on DNAs prepared from a population of plants in which Mutator transposons or some other mutation-causing DNA element has been introduced (see Bensen, supra). The amplification of a specific DNA fragment with these primers indicates the insertion of the mutation tag element in or near the plant gene encoding the instant polypeptides. Alternatively, the instant nucleic acid fragment may be used as a hybridization probe against PCR amplification products generated from the mutation population using the mutation tag sequence primer in conjunction with an arbitrary genomic site primer, such as that for a restriction enzyme site-anchored synthetic adapter. With either method, a plant containing a mutation in the endogenous gene encoding the instant polypeptides can be identified and obtained. This mutant plant can then be used to determine or confirm the natural function of the instant polypeptides disclosed herein.

EXAMPLES

[0075] The present invention is further defined in the following Examples, in which parts and percentages are by weight and degrees are Celsius, unless otherwise stated. It should be understood that these Examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only. From the above discussion and these Examples, one skilled in the art can ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention, and without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions. Thus, various modifications of the invention in addition to those shown and described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0076] The disclosure of each reference set forth herein is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Example 1 Composition of cDNA Libraries; Isolation and Sequencing of cDNA Clones

[0077] cDNA libraries representing mRNAs from various barley, corn, prickly poppy, soybean, and wheat tissues were prepared. The characteristics of the libraries are described below. TABLE 2 cDNA Libraries from Barley, Corn, Prickly Poppy, Soybean, and Wheat Library Tissue Clone bsh1 Barley Sheath, Developing Seedling bsh1.pk0005.d10 cdt2c Corn (Zea mays L.) developing tassel 2 cdt2c.pk002.c17 cho1c Corn (Zea mays L., Alexho Synthetic cho1c.pk009.j14 High Oil) embryo 20 DAP p0094 Leaf collars for the Ear leaf, screened 1 (EL) p0094.cssth33r and the next leaf above and below the EL Growth conditions: field; control or untreated tissues pps1c Prickly poppy developing seeds pps1c.pk008.m8 sgc5c Soybean (Glycine max L., Wye) germinating sgc5c.pk001.j23 cotyledon (3/4 yellow; 15-24 DAG) sls1c Soybean (Glycine max L., S1990) infected sls1c.pk015.d12 with Sclerotinia sclerotiorum mycelium. sls2c Soybean (Glycine max L., Manta) infected sls2c.pk010.124 with Sclerotinia sclerotiorum mycelium wr1 Wheat Root From 7 Day Old Seedling wr1.pk0104.b6

[0078] cDNA libraries may be prepared by any one of many methods available. For example, the cDNAs may be introduced into plasmid vectors by first preparing the cDNA libraries in Uni-ZAP™ XR vectors according to the manufacturer's protocol (Stratagene Cloning Systems, La Jolla, Calif.). The Uni-ZAP™ XR libraries are converted into plasmid libraries according to the protocol provided by Stratagene. Upon conversion, cDNA inserts will be contained in the plasmid vector pBluescript. In addition, the cDNAs may be introduced directly into precut Bluescript II SK(+) vectors (Stratagene) using T4 DNA ligase (New England Biolabs), followed by transfection into DH10B cells according to the manufacturer's protocol (GIBCO BRL Products). Once the cDNA inserts are in plasmid vectors, plasmid DNAs are prepared from randomly picked bacterial colonies containing recombinant pBluescript plasmids, or the insert cDNA sequences are amplified via polymerase chain reaction using primers specific for vector sequences flanking the inserted cDNA sequences. Amplified insert DNAs or plasmid DNAs are sequenced in dye-primer sequencing reactions to generate partial cDNA sequences (expressed sequence tags or “ESTs”; see Adams et al., (1991) Science 252:1651-1656). The resulting ESTs are analyzed using a Perkin Elmer Model 377 fluorescent sequencer.

[0079] Full-insert sequence (FIS) data is generated utilizing a modified transposition protocol. Clones identified for FIS are recovered from archived glycerol stocks as single colonies, and plasmid DNAs are isolated via alkaline lysis. Isolated DNA templates are reacted with vector primed M13 forward and reverse oligonucleotides in a PCR-based sequencing reaction and loaded onto automated sequencers. Confirmation of clone identification is performed by sequence alignment to the original EST sequence from which the FIS request is made.

[0080] Confirmed templates are transposed via the Primer Island transposition kit (PE Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif.) which is based upon the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ty1 transposable element (Devine and Boeke (1994) Nucleic Acids Res. 22:3765-3772). The in vitro transposition system places unique binding sites randomly throughout a population of large DNA molecules. The transposed DNA is then used to transform DH10B electro-competent cells (Gibco BRL/Life Technologies, Rockville, Md.) via electroporation. The transposable element contains an additional selectable marker (named DHFR; Fling and Richards (1983) Nucleic Acids Res. 11:5147-5158), allowing for dual selection on agar plates of only those subclones containing the integrated transposon. Multiple subclones are randomly selected from each transposition reaction, plasmid DNAs are prepared via alkaline lysis, and templates are sequenced (ABI Prism dye-terminator ReadyReaction mix) outward from the transposition event site, utilizing unique primers specific to the binding sites within the transposon.

[0081] Sequence data is collected (ABI Prism Collections) and assembled using Phred/Phrap (P. Green, University of Washington, Seattle). Phrep/Phrap is a public domain software program which re-reads the ABI sequence data, re-calls the bases, assigns quality values, and writes the base calls and quality values into editable output files. The Phrap sequence assembly program uses these quality values to increase the accuracy of the assembled sequence contigs. Assemblies are viewed by the Consed sequence editor (D. Gordon,. University of Washington, Seattle).

Example 2 Identification of cDNA Clones

[0082] cDNA clones encoding biotin synthases were identified by conducting BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool; Altschul et al. (1993) J. Mol. Biol. 215:403-410; see also www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/BLAST/) searches for similarity to sequences contained in the BLAST “nr” database (comprising all non-redundant GenBank CDS translations, sequences derived from the 3-dimensional structure Brookhaven Protein Data Bank, the last major release of the SWISS-PROT protein sequence database, EMBL, and DDBJ databases). The cDNA sequences obtained in Example 1 were analyzed for similarity to all publicly available DNA sequences contained in the “nr” database using the BLASTN algorithm provided by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). The DNA sequences were translated in all reading frames and compared for similarity to all publicly available protein sequences contained in the “nr” database using the BLASTX algorithm (Gish and States (1993) Nat. Genet. 3:266-272) provided by the NCBI. For convenience, the P-value (probability) of observing a match of a cDNA sequence to a sequence contained in the searched databases merely by chance as calculated by BLAST are reported herein as “pLog” values, which represent the negative of the logarithm of the reported P-value. Accordingly, the greater the pLog value, the greater the likelihood that the cDNA sequence and the BLAST “hit” represent homologous proteins.

[0083] ESTs submitted for analysis are compared to the genbank database as described above. ESTs that contain sequences more 5- or 3-prime can be found by using the BLASTn algorithm (Altschul et al (1997) Nucleic Acids Res. 25:3389-3402.) against the DuPont proprietary database comparing nucleotide sequences that share common or overlapping regions of sequence homology. Where common or overlapping sequences exist between two or more nucleic acid fragments, the sequences can be assembled into a single contiguous nucleotide sequence, thus extending the original fragment in either the 5 or 3 prime direction. Once the most 5-prime EST is identified, its complete sequence can be determined by Full Insert Sequencing as described in Example 1. Homologous genes belonging to different species can be found by comparing the amino acid sequence of a known gene (from either a proprietary source or a public database) against an EST database using the tBLASTn algorithm. The tBLASTn algorithm searches an amino acid query against a nucleotide database that is translated in all 6 reading frames. This search allows for differences in nucleotide codon usage between different species, and for codon degeneracy.

Example 3 Characterization of cDNA Clones Encoding Biotin Synthase

[0084] The BLASTX search using the EST sequences from clones listed in Table 3 revealed similarity of the polypeptides encoded by the cDNAs to biotin synthase from Arabidopsis thaliana and fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) (NCBI Accession No. gi 1705463 and gi 2995363, respectively). Shown in Table 3 are the BLAST results for individual ESTs (“EST”), the sequences of the entire cDNA inserts comprising the indicated cDNA clones (“FIS”), the sequences of contigs assembled from two or more ESTs (“Contig”), sequences of contigs assembled from an FIS and one or more ESTs (“Contig*”), or sequences encoding an entire protein derived from an FIS, a contig, or an FIS and PCR (“CGS”): TABLE 3 BLAST Results for Sequences Encoding Polypeptides Homologous to Biotin Synthase Clone Status Accession No. BLAST pLog Score bsh1.pk0005.d10 EST 1705463 56.20 cdt2c.pk002.c17 EST 1705463 25.30 cho1c.pk009.j14 EST 1705463 32.30 Contig of: Contig 1705463 254.00 cca.pk0012.g11 cco1n.pk069.fl p0004.cb1hi70r p0041.crtax65r p0094.cssth33r p0094.cssth33ra pps1c.pk008.m8 EST 1705463 52.50 Contig of: Contig 1705463 254.00 sah1c.pk001.b19 sfl1.pk128.m2 sgc5c.pk001.j23 sgs2c.pk003.p6 sr1.pk0026.d1 src2c.pk025.k23 ssm.pk0072.h10 sls2c.pk010.124 EST 2995363 18.70 wr1.pk0104.b6 EST 1705463 34.70

[0085] The sequence of the entire cDNA insert in the clones listed in Table 3 was determined. Further sequencing and searching of the DuPont proprietary database allowed the identification of other corn, rice, soybean and/or wheat clones encoding biotin synthase. The BLASTX search using the EST sequences from clones listed in Table 4 revealed similarity of the polypeptides encoded by the cDNAs to biotin synthase from Arabidopsis thaliana and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) (NCBI Accession No. gi 1705463 and gi 6321725, respectively). Shown in Table 4 are the BLAST results for individual ESTs (“EST”), the sequences of the entire cDNA inserts comprising the indicated cDNA clones (“FIS”), sequences of contigs assembled from two or more ESTs (“Contig”), sequences of contigs assembled from an FIS and one or more ESTs (“Contig*”), or sequences encoding the entire protein derived from an FIS, a contig, or an FIS and PCR (“CGS”): TABLE 4 BLAST Results for Sequences Encoding Polypeptides Homologous to Biotin Synthase Clone Status Accession No. BLAST pLog Score bsh1.pk0005.d10:fis FIS 1705463 180.00 cdt2c.pk002.c17:fis FIS 1705463 152.00 cho1c.pk009.j14:fiS FIS 1705463 179.00 cca.pk0012.g11:fis FIS 1705463 178.00 pps1c.pk008.m8:fis FIS 1705463 180.00 sgc5c.pk001.j23:fis FIS 1705463 180.00 Contig of: sls1c.pk015.d12 Contig 6321725 119.00 sls2c.pk010.124:fis wr1.pk0104.b6:fis FIS 1705463 127.00

[0086]FIG. 1 shows a comparison of the amino acid sequences of the barley (SEQ ID NO:18), corn (SEQ ID NOs:20, 22, and 24), prickly poppy (SEQ ID NO:26), soybean (SEQ ID NOs:28 and 30), and wheat (SEQ ID NO:32) biotin synthase polypeptides to the enzymes from Arabidopsis thaliana (SEQ ID NO:33), fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe, SEQ ID NO:34), and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, SEQ ID NO:35). The conserved iron binding consensus sequence (GXCXEDCXYCXQ) is highlighted in black (SEQ ID NO:36). The sequence for clone cdt2c.pk002.c17 (SEQ ID NOs:3, 4 and 19, 20) is very similar to the other two corn biotin synthase sequences with the exception of a 99 nucleotide deletion (33 amino acids) which includes the iron binding consensus motif (see FIGS. 1 and 2). It is very likely that this cDNA clone represents a splice variant of the mRNA represented in SEQ ID NO:21. The deleted sequence has consensus GT . . . AG intron border sequences, and the surrounding sequences fall within the requirements for a functional splice site junction. Whether this alternative splice product has any biological or regulatory role within the plant is unknown at this time. The second soybean sequence (SEQ ID NOs:13, 14 and 29, 30) is the only one analyzed in this group that shows higher homology to yeast biotin synthase genes than to plant biotin synthase sequences. The cDNA libraries that these clones were isolated from (sls1c, sls2c) were soybean tissues infected with the fungus Sclerotinia. It can not be ruled out that, this clone may represent a fungal rather than plant biotin synthase sequence.

[0087] The data in Table 5 represents a calculation of the percent identity of the amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32, and the Arabidopsis thaliana and fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) (NCBI Accession No. gi 1705463 and gi 2995363, respectively and SEQ ID NO:33 and 34). TABLE 5 Percent Identity of Amino Acid Sequences Deduced From the Nucleotide Sequences of cDNA Clones Encoding Polypeptides Homologous to Biotin Synthase Percent Identity to Percent Identity to SEQ ID NO. 1705463 2995363 2 71.5% 4 53.9% 6 68.4% 8 83.1% 10 72.3% 12 80.2% 14 65.4% 16 83.3% 18 79.4% 20 77.3% 22 79.8% 24 79.6% 26 82.3% 28 79.9% 30 54.5% 32 81.7%

[0088] Sequence alignments and percent identity calculations were performed using the Megalign program of the LASERGENE bioinformatics computing suite (DNASTAR Inc., Madison, Wis.). Multiple alignment of the sequences was performed using the Clustal method of alignment (Higgins and Sharp (1989) CABIOS. 5:151-153) with the default parameters (GAP PENALTY=10, GAP LENGTH PENALTY=10). Default parameters for pairwise alignments using the Clustal method were KTUPLE 1, GAP PENALTY=3, WINDOW=5 and DIAGONALS SAVED=5. Sequence alignments and BLAST scores and probabilities indicate that the nucleic acid fragments comprising the instant cDNA clones encode a substantial portion of a biotin synthase. These sequences represent the first monocot, corn, soybean, wheat, and prickly poppy sequences encoding biotin synthase known to Applicant.

Example 4 Expression of Chimeric Genes in Monocot Cells

[0089] A chimeric gene comprising a cDNA encoding the instant polypeptides in sense orientation with respect to the maize 27 kD zein promoter that is located 5′ to the cDNA fragment, and the 10 kD zein 3′ end that is located 3′ to the cDNA fragment, can be constructed. The cDNA fragment of this gene may be generated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the cDNA clone using appropriate oligonucleotide primers. Cloning sites (NcoI or SmaI) can be incorporated into the oligonucleotides to provide proper orientation of the DNA fragment when inserted into the digested vector pML103 as described below. Amplification is then performed in a standard PCR. The amplified DNA is then digested with restriction enzymes NcoI and SmaI and fractionated on an agarose gel. The appropriate band can be isolated from the gel and combined with a 4.9 kb NcoI-SmaI fragment of the plasmid pML103. Plasmid pML103 has been deposited under the terms of the Budapest Treaty at ATCC (American Type Culture Collection, 10801 University Blvd., Manassas, Va. 20110-2209), and bears accession number ATCC 97366. The DNA segment from pML103 contains a 1.05 kb SalI-NcoI promoter fragment of the maize 27 kD zein gene and a 0.96 kb SmaI-SalI fragment from the 3′ end of the maize 10 kD zein gene in the vector pGem9Zf(+) (Promega). Vector and insert DNA can be ligated at 15° C. overnight, essentially as described (Maniatis). The ligated DNA may then be used to transform E. coli XL1-Blue (Epicurian Coli XL-1 Blue™; Stratagene). Bacterial transformants can be screened by restriction enzyme digestion of plasmid DNA and limited nucleotide sequence analysis using the dideoxy chain termination method (Sequenase™ DNA Sequencing Kit; U.S. Biochemical). The resulting plasmid construct would comprise a chimeric gene encoding, in the 5′ to 3′ direction, the maize 27 kD zein promoter, a cDNA fragment encoding the instant polypeptides, and the 10 kD zein 3′ region.

[0090] The chimeric gene described above can then be introduced into corn cells by the following procedure. Immature corn embryos can be dissected from developing caryopses derived from crosses of the inbred corn lines H99 and LH132. The embryos are isolated 10 to 11 days after pollination when they are 1.0 to 1.5 mm long. The embryos are then placed with the axis-side facing down and in contact with agarose-solidified N6 medium (Chu et al. (1975) Sci. Sin. Peking 18:659-668). The embryos are kept in the dark at 27° C. Friable embryogenic callus consisting of undifferentiated masses of cells with somatic proembryoids and embryoids borne on suspensor structures proliferates from the scutellum of these immature embryos. The embryogenic callus isolated from the primary explant can be cultured on N6 medium and sub-cultured on this medium every 2 to 3 weeks.

[0091] The plasmid, p35S/Ac (obtained from Dr. Peter Eckes, Hoechst Ag, Frankfurt, Germany) may be used in transformation experiments in order to provide for a selectable marker. This plasmid contains the Pat gene (see European Patent Publication 0 242 236) which encodes phosphinothricin acetyl transferase (PAT). The enzyme PAT confers resistance to herbicidal glutamine synthetase inhibitors such as phosphinothricin. The pat gene in p35S/Ac is under the control of the 35S promoter from Cauliflower Mosaic Virus (Odell et al. (1985) Nature 313:810-812) and the 3′ region of the nopaline synthase gene from the T-DNA of the Ti plasmid of Agrobacterium tumefaciens.

[0092] The particle bombardment method (Klein et al. (1987) Nature 327:70-73) may be used to transfer genes to the callus culture cells. According to this method, gold particles (1 m in diameter) are coated with DNA using the following technique. Ten μg of plasmid DNAs are added to 50 μL of a suspension of gold particles (60 mg per mL). Calcium chloride (50 μL of a 2.5 M solution) and spermidine free base (20 μL of a 1.0 M solution) are added to the particles. The suspension is vortexed during the addition of these solutions. After 10 minutes, the tubes are briefly centrifuged (5 sec at 15,000 rpm) and the supernatant removed. The particles are resuspended in 200 μL of absolute ethanol, centrifuged again and the supernatant removed. The ethanol rinse is performed again and the particles resuspended in a final volume of 30 μL of ethanol. An aliquot (5 μL) of the DNA-coated gold particles can be placed in the center of a Kapton™ flying disc (Bio-Rad Labs). The particles are then accelerated into the corn tissue with a Biolistic™ PDS-1000/He (Bio-Rad Instruments, Hercules Calif.), using a helium pressure of 1000 psi, a gap distance of 0.5 cm and a flying distance of 1.0 cm.

[0093] For bombardment, the embryogenic tissue is placed on filter paper over agarose-solidified N6 medium. The tissue is arranged as a thin lawn and covered a circular area of about 5 cm in diameter. The petri dish containing the tissue can be placed in the chamber of the PDS-1000/He approximately 8 cm from the stopping screen. The air in the chamber is then evacuated to a vacuum of 28 inches of Hg. The macrocarrier is accelerated with a helium shock wave using a rupture membrane that bursts when the He pressure in the shock tube reaches 1000 psi.

[0094] Seven days after bombardment the tissue can be transferred to N6 medium that contains gluphosinate (2 mg per liter) and lacks casein or proline. The tissue continues to grow slowly on this medium. After an additional 2 weeks the tissue can be transferred to fresh N6 medium containing gluphosinate. After 6 weeks, areas of about 1 cm in diameter of actively growing callus can be identified on some of the plates containing the glufosinate-supplemented medium. These calli may continue to grow when sub-cultured on the selective medium.

[0095] Plants can be regenerated from the transgenic callus by first transferring clusters of tissue to N6 medium supplemented with 0.2 mg per liter of 2,4-D. After two weeks the tissue can be transferred to regeneration medium (Fromm et al. (1990) Bio/Technology 8:833-839).

Example 5 Expression of Chimeric Genes in Dicot Cells

[0096] A seed-specific expression cassette composed of the promoter and transcription terminator from the gene encoding the β subunit of the seed storage protein phaseolin from the bean Phaseolus vulgaris (Doyle et al. (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261:9228-9238) can be used for expression of the instant polypeptides in transformed soybean. The phaseolin cassette includes about 500 nucleotides upstream (5′) from the translation initiation codon and about 1650 nucleotides downstream (3′) from the translation stop codon of phaseolin. Between the 5′ and 3′ regions are the unique restriction endonuclease sites Nco I (which includes the ATG translation initiation codon), Sma I, Kpn I and Xba I. The entire cassette is flanked by Hind III sites.

[0097] The cDNA fragment of this gene may be generated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the cDNA clone using appropriate oligonucleotide primers. Cloning sites can be incorporated into the oligonucleotides to provide proper orientation of the DNA fragment when inserted into the expression vector. Amplification is then performed as described above, and the isolated fragment is inserted into a pUC18 vector carrying the seed expression cassette.

[0098] Soybean embryos may then be transformed with the expression vector comprising sequences encoding the instant polypeptides. To induce somatic embryos, cotyledons, 3-5 mm in length dissected from surface sterilized, immature seeds of the soybean cultivar A2872, can be cultured in the light or dark at 26° C. on an appropriate agar medium for 6-10 weeks. Somatic embryos which produce secondary embryos are then excised and placed into a suitable liquid medium. After repeated selection for clusters of somatic embryos which multiplied as early, globular staged embryos, the suspensions are maintained as described below.

[0099] Soybean embryogenic suspension cultures can be maintained in 35 mL liquid media on a rotary shaker, 150 rpm, at 26° C. with florescent lights on a 16:8 hour day/night schedule. Cultures are subcultured every two weeks by inoculating approximately 35 mg of tissue into 35 mL of liquid medium.

[0100] Soybean embryogenic suspension cultures may then be transformed by the method of particle gun bombardment (Klein et al. (1987) Nature (London) 327:70-73, U.S. Pat. No. 4,945,050). A DuPont Biolistic™ PDS1000/HE instrument (helium retrofit) can be used for these transformations.

[0101] A selectable marker gene which can be used to facilitate soybean transformation is a chimeric gene composed of the 35S promoter from Cauliflower Mosaic Virus (Odell et al. (1985) Nature 313:810-812), the hygromycin phosphotransferase gene from plasmid pJR225 (from E. coli; Gritz et al.(1983) Gene 25:179-188) and the 3′ region of the nopaline synthase gene from the T-DNA of the Ti plasmid of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The seed expression cassette comprising the phaseolin 5′ region, the fragment encoding the instant polypeptides and the phaseolin 3′ region can be isolated as a restriction fragment. This fragment can then be inserted into a unique restriction site of the vector carrying the marker gene.

[0102] To 50 μL of a 60 mg/mL 1 μm gold particle suspension is added (in order): 5 μL DNA (1 μg/μL), 20 μL spermidine (0.1 M), and 50 μL CaCl₂ (2.5 M). The particle preparation is then agitated for three minutes, spun in a microfuge for 10 seconds and the supernatant removed. The DNA-coated particles are then washed once in 400 μL 70% ethanol and resuspended in 40 μL of anhydrous ethanol. The DNA/particle suspension can be sonicated three times for one second each. Five μL of the DNA-coated gold particles are then loaded on each macro carrier disk.

[0103] Approximately 300-400 mg of a two-week-old suspension culture is placed in an empty 60×15 mm petri dish and the residual liquid removed from the tissue with a pipette. For each transformation experiment, approximately 5-10 plates of tissue are normally bombarded. Membrane rupture pressure is set at 1100 psi and the chamber is evacuated to a vacuum of 28 inches mercury. The tissue is placed approximately 3.5 inches away from the retaining screen and bombarded three times. Following bombardment, the tissue can be divided in half and placed back into liquid and cultured as described above.

[0104] Five to seven days post bombardment, the liquid media may be exchanged with fresh media, and eleven to twelve days post bombardment with fresh media containing 50 mg/mL hygromycin. This selective media can be refreshed weekly. Seven to eight weeks post bombardment, green, transformed tissue may be observed growing from untransformed, necrotic embryogenic clusters. Isolated green tissue is removed and inoculated into individual flasks to generate new, clonally propagated, transformed embryogenic suspension cultures. Each new line may be treated as an independent transformation event. These suspensions can then be subcultured and maintained as clusters of immature embryos or regenerated into whole plants by maturation and germination of individual somatic embryos.

Example 6 Expression of Chimeric Genes in Microbial Cells

[0105] The cDNAs encoding the instant polypeptides can be inserted into the T7 E. coli expression vector pBT430. This vector is a derivative of pET-3a (Rosenberg et al. (1987) Gene 56:125-135) which employs the bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase/T7 promoter system. Plasmid pBT430 was constructed by first destroying the EcoR I and Hind III sites in pET-3a at their original positions. An oligonucleotide adapter containing EcoR I and Hind III sites was inserted at the BamH I site of pET-3a. This created pET-3aM with additional unique cloning sites for insertion of genes into the expression vector. Then, the Nde I site at the position of translation initiation was converted to an Nco I site using oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis. The DNA sequence of pET-3aM in this region, 5′-CATATGG, was converted to 5′-CCCATGG in pBT430.

[0106] Plasmid DNA containing a cDNA may be appropriately digested to release a nucleic acid fragment encoding the protein. This fragment may then be purified on a 1% low melting agarose gel. Buffer and agarose contain 10 μg/ml ethidium bromide for visualization of the DNA fragment. The fragment can then be purified from the agarose gel by digestion with GELase™ (Epicentre Technologies, Madison, Wis.) according to the manufacturer's instructions, ethanol precipitated, dried and resuspended in 20 μL of water. Appropriate oligonucleotide adapters may be ligated to the fragment using T4 DNA ligase (New England Biolabs (NEB), Beverly, Mass.). The fragment containing the ligated adapters can be purified from the excess adapters using low melting agarose as described above. The vector pBT430 is digested, dephosphorylated with alkaline phosphatase (NEB) and deproteinized with phenol/chloroform as described above. The prepared vector pBT430 and fragment can then be ligated at 16° C. for 15 hours followed by transformation into DH5 electrocompetent cells (GIBCO BRL). Transformants can be selected on agar plates containing LB media and 100 μg/mL ampicillin. Transformants containing the gene encoding the instant polypeptides are then screened for the correct orientation with respect to the T7 promoter by restriction enzyme analysis.

[0107] For high level expression, a plasmid clone with the cDNA insert in the correct orientation relative to the T7 promoter can be transformed into E. coli strain BL21(DE3) (Studier et al. (1986) J. Mol. Biol. 189:113-130). Cultures are grown in LB medium containing ampicillin (100 mg/L) at 25° C. At an optical density at 600 nm of approximately 1, IPTG (isopropylthio-β-galactoside, the inducer) can be added to a final concentration of 0.4 mM and incubation can be continued for 3 h at 25°. Cells are then harvested by centrifugation and re-suspended in 50 μL of 50 mM Tris-HCl at pH 8.0 containing 0.1 mM DTT and 0.2 mM phenyl methylsulfonyl fluoride. A small amount of 1 mm glass beads can be added and the mixture sonicated 3 times for about 5 seconds each time with a microprobe sonicator. The mixture is centrifuged and the protein concentration of the supernatant determined. One μg of protein from the soluble fraction of the culture can be separated by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Gels can be observed for protein bands migrating at the expected molecular weight.

Example 7 Evaluating Compounds for Their Ability to Inhibit the Activity of Biotin Synthase

[0108] The polypeptides described herein may be produced using any number of methods known to those skilled in the art. Such methods include, but are not limited to, expression in bacteria as described in Example 6, or expression in eukaryotic cell culture, in planta, and using viral expression systems in suitably infected organisms or cell lines. The instant polypeptides may be expressed either as mature forms of the proteins as observed in vivo or as fusion proteins by covalent attachment to a variety of enzymes, proteins or affinity tags. Common fusion protein partners include glutathione S-transferase (“GST”), thioredoxin (“Trx”), maltose binding protein, and C- and/or N-terminal hexahistidine polypeptide (“(His)₆”). The fusion proteins may be engineered with a protease recognition site at the fusion point so that fusion partners can be separated by protease digestion to yield intact mature enzyme. Examples of such proteases include thrombin, enterokinase and factor Xa. However, any protease can be used which specifically cleaves the peptide connecting the fusion protein and the enzyme.

[0109] Purification of the instant polypeptides, if desired, may utilize any number of separation technologies familiar to those skilled in the art of protein purification. Examples of such methods include, but are not limited to, homogenization, filtration, centrifugation, heat denaturation, ammonium sulfate precipitation, desalting, pH precipitation, ion exchange chromatography, hydrophobic interaction chromatography and affinity chromatography, wherein the affinity ligand represents a substrate, substrate analog or inhibitor. When the instant polypeptides are expressed as fusion proteins, the purification protocol may include the use of an affinity resin which is specific for the fusion protein tag attached to the expressed enzyme or an affinity resin containing ligands which are specific for the enzyme. For example, the instant polypeptides may be expressed as a fusion protein coupled to the C-terminus of thioredoxin. In addition, a (His)₆ peptide may be engineered into the N-terminus of the fused thioredoxin moiety to afford additional opportunities for affinity purification. Other suitable affinity resins could be synthesized by linking the appropriate ligands to any suitable resin such as Sepharose-4B. In an alternate embodiment, a thioredoxin fusion protein may be eluted using dithiothreitol; however, elution may be accomplished using other reagents which interact to displace the thioredoxin from the resin. These reagents include P-mercaptoethanol or other reduced thiol. The eluted fusion protein may be subjected to further purification by traditional means as stated above, if desired. Proteolytic cleavage of the thioredoxin fusion protein and the enzyme may be accomplished after the fusion protein is purified or while the protein is still bound to the ThioBond™ affinity resin or other resin.

[0110] Crude, partially purified or purified enzyme, either alone or as a fusion protein, may be utilized in assays for the evaluation of compounds for their ability to inhibit enzymatic activation of the instant polypeptides disclosed herein. Assays may be conducted under experimental conditions which permit optimal enzymatic activity. For example, assays for biotin synthase are presented by Birch et al. (1995) J Biol Chem 270:19158-19165.

[0111] Various modifications of the invention in addition to those shown and described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0112] The disclosure of each reference set forth above is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

1 36 1 512 DNA Hordeum vulgare unsure (94) n = A, C, G or T 1 caactccctc ggcagtatcg cctagtgcag cagcggctcc gttccggcca gctttgctcg 60 ccgagccggc catgatgctg ctgctcgcgc gcancttcgc tcccgcgtcc ggtccccctt 120 cgcctccgcc gttagcgccg cgcccttctc atcggtatcg gcggccgcgg cggaggcgga 180 cgggcggtgc gggacgggcc caggaacgac tggacccgcc ccgagatcca ggccatctac 240 gactccccgc tcctcgacct cctcttccac ggggctcaag tccataggaa tgtccataaa 300 tttagagaag tgcaacaatg cacacttctt tcaataaaga ctggtgggtg cagcgaagat 360 tgttcatact gcccacagtc ttcaagatac agtaccggat tgaaggctga aaaattaatg 420 aagaaagatg ccgtcctaga agcagctaaa aaggcaaagn angctgggag cacccgattt 480 tgattggagc gatggagaga gacaattggc ag 512 2 137 PRT Hordeum vulgare UNSURE (131) Xaa = ANY AMINO ACID 2 Met Met Leu Leu Leu Ala Arg Ser Leu Arg Ser Arg Val Arg Ser Pro 1 5 10 15 Phe Ala Ser Ala Val Ser Ala Ala Pro Phe Ser Ser Val Ser Ala Ala 20 25 30 Ala Ala Glu Ala Glu Arg Ala Val Arg Asp Gly Pro Arg Asn Asp Trp 35 40 45 Thr Arg Pro Glu Ile Gln Ala Ile Tyr Asp Ser Pro Leu Leu Asp Leu 50 55 60 Leu Phe His Gly Ala Gln Val His Arg Asn Val His Lys Phe Arg Glu 65 70 75 80 Val Gln Gln Cys Thr Leu Leu Ser Ile Lys Thr Gly Gly Cys Ser Glu 85 90 95 Asp Cys Ser Tyr Cys Pro Gln Ser Ser Arg Tyr Ser Thr Gly Leu Lys 100 105 110 Ala Glu Lys Leu Met Lys Lys Asp Ala Val Leu Glu Ala Ala Lys Lys 115 120 125 Ala Lys Xaa Ala Gly Ser Thr Arg Phe 130 135 3 496 DNA Zea mays unsure (33) n = A, C, G or T 3 tccaatcggg tgggcagttt ttaaggaaac canggaccgc aagcaagcaa gccgccccag 60 ccgacgaggc gaggagcgtg caattccgta gctgcaacga actccctcga ccgtatcgcc 120 cgctgctcct ctatcccttt cctgctgctg ctactacctt aagctatcac tatcatggcc 180 ttgatgctgc tagcgcgcaa cctgcgctcc cgcctccgcc caccgctcgc cgccgccgcg 240 gggttctcgt cggccgcggc ggaggcggag agggcgatac gggacgggcc gcggaacgac 300 tggagccggc ccgagatnca ngccgtctac gactcaccgc tcctcgacct cctctttcac 360 ggggntcagt catcaagata caacactgga ttgaagggcc aaaaattgat gaacaaatat 420 gctgtcttgg gagcagcaaa aaaggnaaaa gagtctggga agcaaccgtt tttgcatggg 480 aactgcattg gagaaa 496 4 102 PRT Zea mays Xaa = ANY AMINO ACID 4 Met Ala Leu Met Leu Leu Ala Arg Asn Leu Arg Ser Arg Leu Arg Pro 1 5 10 15 Pro Leu Ala Ala Ala Ala Gly Phe Ser Ser Ala Ala Ala Glu Ala Glu 20 25 30 Arg Ala Ile Arg Asp Gly Pro Arg Asn Asp Trp Ser Arg Pro Glu Xaa 35 40 45 Xaa Ala Val Tyr Asp Ser Pro Leu Leu Asp Leu Leu Phe His Gly Xaa 50 55 60 Gln Ser Ser Arg Tyr Asn Thr Gly Leu Lys Gly Gln Lys Leu Met Asn 65 70 75 80 Lys Tyr Ala Val Leu Gly Ala Ala Lys Lys Xaa Lys Glu Ser Gly Lys 85 90 95 Gln Pro Phe Leu His Gly 100 5 497 DNA Zea mays unsure (192) n = A, C, G or T 5 agccgacgag gcgaggagcg tgcaattccg tagctgcaac tgcaacgaac tccctccctc 60 cctcgaccgt atcgcccgct gctcctctat ccctttcctg ctgctgctac taccttaagc 120 tatcatggcc ttgatgctgc tagcgcgcaa cctgcgctcc cgcctccgcc caccgctcgc 180 cgccgccgcg gngttctcgt cggccgcggc ggaggcggag agggcgatac gggacgggcc 240 gcggaacgac tggagccggc ccgagattca agccgtctac gactcaccgc tcctcgacct 300 cctctttcac ggggctcaag tccacagaaa tgtccataaa ttcaagagaa gtgcagcaat 360 gcacacttct ttcaatcaag actggtggga tgcagtgaag attgttctta ctgtcctcaa 420 gtcatcaaag aatacaacac tgggattgaa gggcccaaan aanttgatna acaaaagatg 480 ctgtcttggn aacaaca 497 6 98 PRT Zea mays UNSURE (23) Xaa = ANY AMINO ACID 6 Met Ala Leu Met Leu Leu Ala Arg Asn Leu Arg Ser Arg Leu Arg Pro 1 5 10 15 Pro Leu Ala Ala Ala Ala Xaa Phe Ser Ser Ala Ala Ala Glu Ala Glu 20 25 30 Arg Ala Ile Arg Asp Gly Pro Arg Asn Asp Trp Ser Arg Pro Glu Ile 35 40 45 Gln Ala Val Tyr Asp Ser Pro Leu Leu Asp Leu Leu Phe His Gly Ala 50 55 60 Gln Val His Arg Asn Val His Xaa Ser Arg Glu Val Gln Gln Cys Thr 65 70 75 80 Leu Leu Ser Ile Lys Thr Gly Gly Xaa Ser Glu Asp Cys Ser Tyr Cys 85 90 95 Pro Gln 7 1152 DNA Zea mays 7 gcagccgacg aggcgaggag cgtgcaattc cgtagctgca acgaactccc tcgaccgtat 60 cgcccgctgc tcctctatcc ctttcctgct gctgctacta ccttaagcta tcactatcat 120 ggccttgatg ctgctagcgc gcaacctgcg ctcccgcctc cgcccaccgc tcgccgccgc 180 cgcggcgttc tcgtcggccg cggcggaggc ggagagggcg atacgggacg ggccgcggaa 240 cgactggagc cggcccgaga tccaggccgt ctacgactca ccgctcctcg acctcctctt 300 tcacggggct caggtccaca gaaatgtcca taaattcaga gaagtgcagc aatgcacact 360 tctttcaatc aagactggtg gatgcagtga agattgttct tactgtcctc agtcatcaag 420 atacaacact ggattgaagg cccaaaaatt gatgaacaaa tatgctgtct tggaagcagc 480 aaaaaaggca aaagagtctg ggagcacccg tttttgcatg ggagctgcat ggagagaaac 540 cattggcagg aaatcaaact tcaaccagat tcttgaatat gtcaaggaaa taaggggtat 600 gggcatggag gtctgttgca cactaggcat gatagagaaa caacaagctg aagaactcaa 660 gaaggctgga cttacagcat ataatcataa cctagataca tcaagagagt attatcccaa 720 cattattacc acaagatcat atgatgatag actgcagact cttgagcatg tccgtgaagc 780 tggaataagc atctgctcag gtggaatcat tggtcttggt gaagcagagg aggaccgggt 840 agggttgttg cataccctag ctaccttgcc tacacaccca gagagcgttc ctattaatgc 900 attggttgct gtaaaaggca cacctcttga ggaccagaag cctgtagaga tctgggaaat 960 gatccgcatg atcgccactg ctcggatcac gatgccaaag gcaatggtga ggctttcagc 1020 aggccgagta cggttctcga tgccagaaca agcgctgtgc ttcctcgctg gggccaactc 1080 catccttgcc ggcgagaaac ttctcacaac cgcaaacaac gactttgatg cggaccaagc 1140 gatgttcaag at 1152 8 344 PRT Zea mays 8 Met Ala Leu Met Leu Leu Ala Arg Asn Leu Arg Ser Arg Leu Arg Pro 1 5 10 15 Pro Leu Ala Ala Ala Ala Ala Phe Ser Ser Ala Ala Ala Glu Ala Glu 20 25 30 Arg Ala Ile Arg Asp Gly Pro Arg Asn Asp Trp Ser Arg Pro Glu Ile 35 40 45 Gln Ala Val Tyr Asp Ser Pro Leu Leu Asp Leu Leu Phe His Gly Ala 50 55 60 Gln Val His Arg Asn Val His Lys Phe Arg Glu Val Gln Gln Cys Thr 65 70 75 80 Leu Leu Ser Ile Lys Thr Gly Gly Cys Ser Glu Asp Cys Ser Tyr Cys 85 90 95 Pro Gln Ser Ser Arg Tyr Asn Thr Gly Leu Lys Ala Gln Lys Leu Met 100 105 110 Asn Lys Tyr Ala Val Leu Glu Ala Ala Lys Lys Ala Lys Glu Ser Gly 115 120 125 Ser Thr Arg Phe Cys Met Gly Ala Ala Trp Arg Glu Thr Ile Gly Arg 130 135 140 Lys Ser Asn Phe Asn Gln Ile Leu Glu Tyr Val Lys Glu Ile Arg Gly 145 150 155 160 Met Gly Met Glu Val Cys Cys Thr Leu Gly Met Ile Glu Lys Gln Gln 165 170 175 Ala Glu Glu Leu Lys Lys Ala Gly Leu Thr Ala Tyr Asn His Asn Leu 180 185 190 Asp Thr Ser Arg Glu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Ile Ile Thr Thr Arg Ser Tyr 195 200 205 Asp Asp Arg Leu Gln Thr Leu Glu His Val Arg Glu Ala Gly Ile Ser 210 215 220 Ile Cys Ser Gly Gly Ile Ile Gly Leu Gly Glu Ala Glu Glu Asp Arg 225 230 235 240 Val Gly Leu Leu His Thr Leu Ala Thr Leu Pro Thr His Pro Glu Ser 245 250 255 Val Pro Ile Asn Ala Leu Val Ala Val Lys Gly Thr Pro Leu Glu Asp 260 265 270 Gln Lys Pro Val Glu Ile Trp Glu Met Ile Arg Met Ile Ala Thr Ala 275 280 285 Arg Ile Thr Met Pro Lys Ala Met Val Arg Leu Ser Ala Gly Arg Val 290 295 300 Arg Phe Ser Met Pro Glu Gln Ala Leu Cys Phe Leu Ala Gly Ala Asn 305 310 315 320 Ser Ile Leu Ala Gly Glu Lys Leu Leu Thr Thr Ala Asn Asn Asp Phe 325 330 335 Asp Ala Asp Gln Ala Met Phe Lys 340 9 562 DNA Argemone mexicana unsure (553) n = A, C, G or T 9 cattcgagaa ataaagagct gtaaaatttt tagggttttt ctgcataact ctacactcga 60 agcttcatca atagaaatat cataaacaga agaattcaaa atgcttaaag ttcaatcttt 120 gagagctcgt cttcgacctt tgattttcat ttctacattt tcttctctct catcatcttc 180 ttcttcttca gctgctgctg ttcaagcaga aagaacgatt aaagaaggtc caagaaacga 240 ttggagcaga gatgaaatta aatcggttta tgattctcca gttctcgatc ttctcttcca 300 tgcagctcaa gtccatagac atgctcacaa cttcagggaa gtgcagcaat gtactcttct 360 ctctgttaag acaggtgggt gcagtgaaga ttgttcatat tgtccacaat cttccaggta 420 tgacactgga gtgaaagccc aaaagctgat gaacaaggga cgcagttctg caaggaagca 480 agaaaaggca aaggaggcgg ggtagtacac gttttcgcaa tggtggctgc aatggggaga 540 tacaatgggg aangaagaac aa 562 10 119 PRT Argemone mexicana 10 Met Leu Lys Val Gln Ser Leu Arg Ala Arg Leu Arg Pro Leu Ile Phe 1 5 10 15 Ile Ser Thr Phe Ser Ser Leu Ser Ser Ser Ser Ser Ser Ser Ala Ala 20 25 30 Ala Val Gln Ala Glu Arg Thr Ile Lys Glu Gly Pro Arg Asn Asp Trp 35 40 45 Ser Arg Asp Glu Ile Lys Ser Val Tyr Asp Ser Pro Val Leu Asp Leu 50 55 60 Leu Phe His Ala Ala Gln Val His Arg His Ala His Asn Phe Arg Glu 65 70 75 80 Val Gln Gln Cys Thr Leu Leu Ser Val Lys Thr Gly Gly Cys Ser Glu 85 90 95 Asp Cys Ser Tyr Cys Pro Gln Ser Ser Arg Tyr Asp Thr Gly Val Lys 100 105 110 Ala Gln Lys Leu Met Asn Lys 115 11 1340 DNA Glycine max 11 ctagtactgc tccctctgcg acttcgtttc gtagagggat tttggccgcc aaataaacag 60 tctcaccata aactccaaag tcccaacgct aaacgaaacc aaaccccaaa cacaaatacc 120 gttgttgtct gttgtctctg tcgtgtctat attcgcagat ctctcactca ttctctgttg 180 tttctctgcc caacttcgaa ttcgaaagca aaaacatgtt tttggcgaga cccattttcc 240 gagcaccctc cctttgggcg ttgcactctt cctacgcgta ttcctctgcc tcagcagctg 300 caattcaagc tgagagagcc atcaaagaag gacccagaaa cgattggagc cgagaccaag 360 tcaaatccat ctacgactct cccattctcg atcttctctt ccatggggct caagttcaca 420 gacatgctca taacttcagg gaagttcaac agtgtactct tctgtctatc aaaacaggag 480 ggtgcagtga agattgttcc tattgtcctc aatcctctaa gtatgataca ggagtcaaaa 540 ggccaagcct tatgaacaag gaagctgttc tccaggctgc aaagaaggca aaagaggctg 600 ggagcactcg cttttgtatg ggtgctgcgt ggagggatac actaggaaga aagaccaact 660 tcaaccagat ccttgaatat gtgaaagaca taagggacat gggaatggag gtttgttgca 720 cccttggcat gctggagaaa cagcaggctg ttgaactcaa gaaggcaggt ctcactgctt 780 ataatcacaa tcttgacact tcaagggagt attatccaaa cataatcaca acaaggactt 840 atgatgagcg tcttcaaacc cttgagtttg ttcgggatgc agggatcaat gtttgttctg 900 gaggaattat agggcttgga gaagcagagg aggatcgtgt aggtttgtta catacattgt 960 caacacttcc cacccatcca gagagtgttc ctattaatgc acttgttgct gtaaagggaa 1020 cccctcttga ggatcagaag cctgttgaaa tatgggagat gattcgcatg atagcaactg 1080 cacgtatcgt aatgccaaaa gcaatggtca ggttatcagc tggcagagtt cgattctcca 1140 tgcctgagca ggcattgtgc tttcttgctg gtgcaaattc tatattcact ggtgaaaagc 1200 ttctcactac tcctaacaat gattttgatg ctgatcaact catgtttaaa gttcttggac 1260 ttctcccaaa agctccaagc ttacatgaag gtgaaactag tgtgacagaa gattataagg 1320 aagcagcttc ttctagttga 1340 12 374 PRT Glycine max 12 Met Phe Leu Ala Arg Pro Ile Phe Arg Ala Pro Ser Leu Trp Ala Leu 1 5 10 15 His Ser Ser Tyr Ala Tyr Ser Ser Ala Ser Ala Ala Ala Ile Gln Ala 20 25 30 Glu Arg Ala Ile Lys Glu Gly Pro Arg Asn Asp Trp Ser Arg Asp Gln 35 40 45 Val Lys Ser Ile Tyr Asp Ser Pro Ile Leu Asp Leu Leu Phe His Gly 50 55 60 Ala Gln Val His Arg His Ala His Asn Phe Arg Glu Val Gln Gln Cys 65 70 75 80 Thr Leu Leu Ser Ile Lys Thr Gly Gly Cys Ser Glu Asp Cys Ser Tyr 85 90 95 Cys Pro Gln Ser Ser Lys Tyr Asp Thr Gly Val Lys Arg Pro Ser Leu 100 105 110 Met Asn Lys Glu Ala Val Leu Gln Ala Ala Lys Lys Ala Lys Glu Ala 115 120 125 Gly Ser Thr Arg Phe Cys Met Gly Ala Ala Trp Arg Asp Thr Leu Gly 130 135 140 Arg Lys Thr Asn Phe Asn Gln Ile Leu Glu Tyr Val Lys Asp Ile Arg 145 150 155 160 Asp Met Gly Met Glu Val Cys Cys Thr Leu Gly Met Leu Glu Lys Gln 165 170 175 Gln Ala Val Glu Leu Lys Lys Ala Gly Leu Thr Ala Tyr Asn His Asn 180 185 190 Leu Asp Thr Ser Arg Glu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Ile Ile Thr Thr Arg Thr 195 200 205 Tyr Asp Glu Arg Leu Gln Thr Leu Glu Phe Val Arg Asp Ala Gly Ile 210 215 220 Asn Val Cys Ser Gly Gly Ile Ile Gly Leu Gly Glu Ala Glu Glu Asp 225 230 235 240 Arg Val Gly Leu Leu His Thr Leu Ser Thr Leu Pro Thr His Pro Glu 245 250 255 Ser Val Pro Ile Asn Ala Leu Val Ala Val Lys Gly Thr Pro Leu Glu 260 265 270 Asp Gln Lys Pro Val Glu Ile Trp Glu Met Ile Arg Met Ile Ala Thr 275 280 285 Ala Arg Ile Val Met Pro Lys Ala Met Val Arg Leu Ser Ala Gly Arg 290 295 300 Val Arg Phe Ser Met Pro Glu Gln Ala Leu Cys Phe Leu Ala Gly Ala 305 310 315 320 Asn Ser Ile Phe Thr Gly Glu Lys Leu Leu Thr Thr Pro Asn Asn Asp 325 330 335 Phe Asp Ala Asp Gln Leu Met Phe Lys Val Leu Gly Leu Leu Pro Lys 340 345 350 Ala Pro Ser Leu His Glu Gly Glu Thr Ser Val Thr Glu Asp Tyr Lys 355 360 365 Glu Ala Ala Ser Ser Ser 370 13 479 DNA Glycine max 13 ggcgactctc agaacttccc tatcacgatc cctcatcctc cttcgctcca atacccctaa 60 actcgcacct atctcttcct ctgttcgtct tcaagttcaa aagtcgagaa actatggtac 120 cgtatcatct gttcctcctc aagctacaga aacatcaagc acatcaccta gtaaggatgt 180 ctaccaagaa gcactcaacg caactgaacc ccgcagcaat tggacaagag aagaaatcaa 240 ggcgatctat gataagccat tgatggagtt atgttggggt gctggtagtt tgcacaggaa 300 attccatata cctggggcta ttcagatgtg tacattgttg aacatcaaga cgggtggttg 360 ctcggaggga ttgttcttac tggcgcccaa tcatcccgct accaaaccgg tctcaaagcc 420 ctccaaaaat ggtcctccgt cgaatctgtc ctcgcaagcc gccccgcatc gccaaaaga 479 14 52 PRT Glycine max 14 Arg Ser Asn Trp Thr Arg Glu Glu Ile Lys Ala Ile Tyr Asp Lys Pro 1 5 10 15 Leu Met Glu Leu Cys Trp Gly Ala Gly Ser Leu His Arg Lys Phe His 20 25 30 Ile Pro Gly Ala Ile Gln Met Cys Thr Leu Leu Asn Ile Lys Thr Gly 35 40 45 Gly Cys Ser Glu 50 15 589 DNA Triticum aestivum unsure (321) n = A, C, G or T 15 agatgccgtc ctagaagcag caaaaaaggc aaaggaggct gggagcaccc gattttgcat 60 gggagccgca tggagagaga caattggcag gaaaacaaat ttcaaccaga ttcttgaata 120 tgtcaaggac ataagaggta tgggcatgga ggtctgttgc accctgggca tgctagagaa 180 acaacaagct gaagaactcc aagaaggctg gactttacag cttataatca taacctaaga 240 tacatccaag agaatattac ccccaacatt tattcctaca agattccgtt accgatggat 300 tagatttacc agctcctttc nagcatgtcc cnttnnaagc tgggaattaa gccgtcctgg 360 tcccaaggtg ggaatttatt gggccctttg ggagaaggcc ggnaggnaaa cccgtttttt 420 aggctggttt gccatacact gggccacttt tttgcccaac acaccccaag agagcgttcc 480 cctatccaat gcatttgatt gccctgtcca agggancctc ccttccaagg ttttaaaanc 540 cctgttnaan atatnggaaa ttattnccgc atgattnncc aacccacgg 589 16 78 PRT Triticum aestivum UNSURE (69) Xaa = ANY AMINO ACID 16 Asp Ala Val Leu Glu Ala Ala Lys Lys Ala Lys Glu Ala Gly Ser Thr 1 5 10 15 Arg Phe Cys Met Gly Ala Ala Trp Arg Glu Thr Ile Gly Arg Lys Thr 20 25 30 Asn Phe Asn Gln Ile Leu Glu Tyr Val Lys Asp Ile Arg Gly Met Gly 35 40 45 Met Glu Val Cys Cys Thr Leu Gly Met Leu Glu Lys Gln Gln Ala Glu 50 55 60 Glu Leu Gln Glu Xaa Asp Phe Thr Ala Tyr Asn His Asn Leu 65 70 75 17 1396 DNA Hordeum vulgare 17 gcaccacaac tccctcggca gtatcgccta gtgcagcagc ggctccgttc cggccagctt 60 tgctcgccga gccggccatg atgctgctgc tcgcgcgcag ccttcgctcc cgcgtccggt 120 cccccttcgc ctccgccgtt agcgccgcgc ccttctcatc ggtatcggcg gccgcggcgg 180 aggcggagcg ggcggtgcgg gacgggccca ggaacgactg gacccgcccc gagatccagg 240 ccatctacga ctccccgctc ctcgacctcc tcttccacgg ggctcaagtc cataggaatg 300 tccataaatt tagagaagtg caacaatgca cacttctttc aataaagact ggtgggtgca 360 gcgaagattg ttcatactgc ccacagtctt caagatacag taccggattg aaggctgaaa 420 aattaatgaa gaaagatgcc gtcctagaag cagctaaaaa ggcaaaggag gctgggagca 480 cccgattttg catgggagcc gcatggagag agacaattgg caggaaaaca aacttcaacc 540 agattcttga atatgtcaag gacataagag gtatgggcat ggaggtctgt tgcaccctgg 600 gcatgctaga gaaacagcaa gctgaagaac tcaagaaggc tggacttaca gcttataatc 660 ataacctaga tacatcaaga gaatattacc cgaacattat ttctacaaga tcgtatgatg 720 atagattaca gactcttcag catgtccgtg aagctggaat aagcgtctgc tcaggtggaa 780 ttattggtct tggagaggcg gaggaagacc gtgtagggct gttgcataca ctggccactt 840 tgccaacaca cccagagagt gttcctatca atgcattgat tgctgtcaaa ggcacgcctc 900 ttcaggatca gaagcctgta gagatatggg aaatgatccg catgattgcc agcgctcgga 960 ttgtgatgcc aaaggcaatg gtgagacttt cggcagggcg agtacggttc tccatgccag 1020 agcaagctct ctgctttctt gctggggcca actcgatctt cgccggtgaa aagctcctga 1080 caactgcaaa caacgacttt gatgcggacc aggcaatgtt caagatcctt ggcctgattc 1140 ccaaggcacc gaactttggc gatgaggagg ccaccgtggc atcatccacg gagagatgtg 1200 agcaagccgc ttcgatgtaa aatgttggta tagattctcg agaccacatc cggtgcaaaa 1260 ctggcaccat tatctccagc tagagctttg tactgtaggg atcatgatat tttgtactcc 1320 ctccgttcct aaatataagt cttttaagcg atttcaaaaa aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaa 1380 aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaa 1396 18 405 PRT Hordeum vulgare 18 Thr Thr Thr Pro Ser Ala Val Ser Pro Ser Ala Ala Ala Ala Pro Phe 1 5 10 15 Arg Pro Ala Leu Leu Ala Glu Pro Ala Met Met Leu Leu Leu Ala Arg 20 25 30 Ser Leu Arg Ser Arg Val Arg Ser Pro Phe Ala Ser Ala Val Ser Ala 35 40 45 Ala Pro Phe Ser Ser Val Ser Ala Ala Ala Ala Glu Ala Glu Arg Ala 50 55 60 Val Arg Asp Gly Pro Arg Asn Asp Trp Thr Arg Pro Glu Ile Gln Ala 65 70 75 80 Ile Tyr Asp Ser Pro Leu Leu Asp Leu Leu Phe His Gly Ala Gln Val 85 90 95 His Arg Asn Val His Lys Phe Arg Glu Val Gln Gln Cys Thr Leu Leu 100 105 110 Ser Ile Lys Thr Gly Gly Cys Ser Glu Asp Cys Ser Tyr Cys Pro Gln 115 120 125 Ser Ser Arg Tyr Ser Thr Gly Leu Lys Ala Glu Lys Leu Met Lys Lys 130 135 140 Asp Ala Val Leu Glu Ala Ala Lys Lys Ala Lys Glu Ala Gly Ser Thr 145 150 155 160 Arg Phe Cys Met Gly Ala Ala Trp Arg Glu Thr Ile Gly Arg Lys Thr 165 170 175 Asn Phe Asn Gln Ile Leu Glu Tyr Val Lys Asp Ile Arg Gly Met Gly 180 185 190 Met Glu Val Cys Cys Thr Leu Gly Met Leu Glu Lys Gln Gln Ala Glu 195 200 205 Glu Leu Lys Lys Ala Gly Leu Thr Ala Tyr Asn His Asn Leu Asp Thr 210 215 220 Ser Arg Glu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Ile Ile Ser Thr Arg Ser Tyr Asp Asp 225 230 235 240 Arg Leu Gln Thr Leu Gln His Val Arg Glu Ala Gly Ile Ser Val Cys 245 250 255 Ser Gly Gly Ile Ile Gly Leu Gly Glu Ala Glu Glu Asp Arg Val Gly 260 265 270 Leu Leu His Thr Leu Ala Thr Leu Pro Thr His Pro Glu Ser Val Pro 275 280 285 Ile Asn Ala Leu Ile Ala Val Lys Gly Thr Pro Leu Gln Asp Gln Lys 290 295 300 Pro Val Glu Ile Trp Glu Met Ile Arg Met Ile Ala Ser Ala Arg Ile 305 310 315 320 Val Met Pro Lys Ala Met Val Arg Leu Ser Ala Gly Arg Val Arg Phe 325 330 335 Ser Met Pro Glu Gln Ala Leu Cys Phe Leu Ala Gly Ala Asn Ser Ile 340 345 350 Phe Ala Gly Glu Lys Leu Leu Thr Thr Ala Asn Asn Asp Phe Asp Ala 355 360 365 Asp Gln Ala Met Phe Lys Ile Leu Gly Leu Ile Pro Lys Ala Pro Asn 370 375 380 Phe Gly Asp Glu Glu Ala Thr Val Ala Ser Ser Thr Glu Arg Cys Glu 385 390 395 400 Gln Ala Ala Ser Met 405 19 1467 DNA Zea mays 19 gcacgagtcc aatcgggtgg cagtttttaa ggaaaccagg gaccgcagca gcaagccgcc 60 ccagccgacg aggcgaggag cgtgcaattc cgtagctgca acgaactccc tcgaccgtat 120 cgcccgctgc tcctctatcc ctttcctgct gctgctacta ccttaagcta tcactatcat 180 ggccttgatg ctgctagcgc gcaacctgcg ctcccgcctc cgcccaccgc tcgccgccgc 240 cgcggcgttc tcgtcggccg cggcggaggc ggagagggcg atacgggacg ggccgcggaa 300 cgactggagc cggcccgaga tccaggccgt ctacgactca ccgctcctcg acctcctctt 360 tcacggggct cagtcatcaa gatacaacac tggattgaag gcccaaaaat tgatgaacaa 420 atatgctgtc ttggaagcag caaaaaaggc aaaagagtct gggagcaccc gtttttgcat 480 gggagctgca tggagagaaa ccattggcag gaaatcaaac ttcaaccaga ttcttgaata 540 tgtcaaggaa ataaggggta tgggcatgga ggtctgttgc acactaggca tgatagagaa 600 acaacaagct gaagaactca agaaggctgg acttacagca tataatcata acctagatac 660 atcaagagag tattatccca acattattac cacaagatca tatgatgata gactgcagac 720 tcttgagcat gtccgtgaag ctggaataag catctgctca ggtggaatca ttggtcttgg 780 tgaagcagag gaggaccggg tagggttgtt gcatacccta gctaccttgc ctacacaccc 840 agagagcgtt cctattaatg cattggttgc tgtaaaaggc acacctcttg aggaccagaa 900 gcctgtagag atctgggaaa tgatccgcat gatcgccact gctcggatca cgatgccaaa 960 ggcaatggtg aggctttcag caggccgagt acggttctcg atgccagaac aagcgctgtg 1020 cttcctcgct ggggccaact ccatctttgc cggcgagaaa cttctcacaa ccgcaaacaa 1080 cgactttgat gcggaccagg cgatgttcaa gatccttggc ctgatcccca aggctccaag 1140 ctttggcgag gaagaggcgt ctgcggcggc tcccacagaa tccgagaggt ctgagcaagc 1200 tgcttcgatg tagaatatat acatatcatt accgattatc cgtatcacgg ttggggcgaa 1260 actagaacta ccgttgtagc tagagcattg gattgtagaa accacaacat ttcattattt 1320 tgtaattgct tgagactgaa tgggggatac ccatgtcggg ctagatcaat ggacaacttc 1380 cacacaacca aatccaaaca ttgaaactca tttttcatca cagttttaat aaacttctcc 1440 cacttatctt aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaa 1467 20 344 PRT Zea mays 20 Met Ala Leu Met Leu Leu Ala Arg Asn Leu Arg Ser Arg Leu Arg Pro 1 5 10 15 Pro Leu Ala Ala Ala Ala Ala Phe Ser Ser Ala Ala Ala Glu Ala Glu 20 25 30 Arg Ala Ile Arg Asp Gly Pro Arg Asn Asp Trp Ser Arg Pro Glu Ile 35 40 45 Gln Ala Val Tyr Asp Ser Pro Leu Leu Asp Leu Leu Phe His Gly Ala 50 55 60 Gln Ser Ser Arg Tyr Asn Thr Gly Leu Lys Ala Gln Lys Leu Met Asn 65 70 75 80 Lys Tyr Ala Val Leu Glu Ala Ala Lys Lys Ala Lys Glu Ser Gly Ser 85 90 95 Thr Arg Phe Cys Met Gly Ala Ala Trp Arg Glu Thr Ile Gly Arg Lys 100 105 110 Ser Asn Phe Asn Gln Ile Leu Glu Tyr Val Lys Glu Ile Arg Gly Met 115 120 125 Gly Met Glu Val Cys Cys Thr Leu Gly Met Ile Glu Lys Gln Gln Ala 130 135 140 Glu Glu Leu Lys Lys Ala Gly Leu Thr Ala Tyr Asn His Asn Leu Asp 145 150 155 160 Thr Ser Arg Glu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Ile Ile Thr Thr Arg Ser Tyr Asp 165 170 175 Asp Arg Leu Gln Thr Leu Glu His Val Arg Glu Ala Gly Ile Ser Ile 180 185 190 Cys Ser Gly Gly Ile Ile Gly Leu Gly Glu Ala Glu Glu Asp Arg Val 195 200 205 Gly Leu Leu His Thr Leu Ala Thr Leu Pro Thr His Pro Glu Ser Val 210 215 220 Pro Ile Asn Ala Leu Val Ala Val Lys Gly Thr Pro Leu Glu Asp Gln 225 230 235 240 Lys Pro Val Glu Ile Trp Glu Met Ile Arg Met Ile Ala Thr Ala Arg 245 250 255 Ile Thr Met Pro Lys Ala Met Val Arg Leu Ser Ala Gly Arg Val Arg 260 265 270 Phe Ser Met Pro Glu Gln Ala Leu Cys Phe Leu Ala Gly Ala Asn Ser 275 280 285 Ile Phe Ala Gly Glu Lys Leu Leu Thr Thr Ala Asn Asn Asp Phe Asp 290 295 300 Ala Asp Gln Ala Met Phe Lys Ile Leu Gly Leu Ile Pro Lys Ala Pro 305 310 315 320 Ser Phe Gly Glu Glu Glu Ala Ser Ala Ala Ala Pro Thr Glu Ser Glu 325 330 335 Arg Ser Glu Gln Ala Ala Ser Met 340 21 1515 DNA Zea mays 21 ggccccagcc gacgaggcga ggagcgtgca attccgtagc tgcaactgca acgaactccc 60 tccctccctc gaccgtatcg cccgctgctc ctctatccct ttcctgctgc tgctactacc 120 ttaagctatc atggccttga tgctgctagc gcgcaacctg cgctcccgcc tccgcccacc 180 gctcgccgcc gccgcggcgt tctcgtcggc cgcggcggag gcggagaggg cgatacggga 240 cgggccgcgg aacgactgga gccggcccga gatccaggcc gtctacgact caccgctcct 300 cgacctcctc tttcacgggg ctcaggtcca cagaaatgtc cataaattca gagaagtgca 360 gcaatgcaca cttctttcaa tcaagactgg tggatgcagt gaagattgtt cttactgtcc 420 tcagtcatca agatacaaca ctggattgaa ggcccaaaaa ttgatgaaca aagatgctgt 480 cttggaagca gcaaaaaagg caaaagagtc tgggagcacc cgtttttgca tgggagctgc 540 atggagagaa accattggca ggaaatcaaa cttcaaccag attcttgaat atgtcaagga 600 aataaggggt atgggcatgg aggtctgttg cacactaggc atgatagaga aacaacaagc 660 tgaagaactc aagaaggctg gacttacagc atataatcat aacctagata catcaagaga 720 gtattatccc aacattatta ccacaagatc atatgatgat agactgcaga ctcttgagca 780 tgtccgtgaa gctggaataa gcatctgctc aggtggaatc attggtcttg gtgaagcaga 840 ggaggaccgg gtagggttgt tgcataccct agctaccttg cctacacacc cagagagcgt 900 tcctattaat gcattggttg ctgtaaaagg cacacctctt gaggaccaga agcctgtaga 960 gatctgggaa atgatccgca tgatcgccac tgctcggatc acgatgccaa aggcaatggt 1020 gaggctttca gcaggccgag tacggttctc gatgccagaa caagcgctgt gcttcctcgc 1080 tggggccaac tccatctttg ccggcgagaa acttctcaca accgcaaaca acgactttga 1140 tgcggaccag gcgatgttca agatccttgg cctgatcccc aaggctccaa gctttggcga 1200 ggaagaggtg tctgcggcgg ctcccgcaga atccgagagg tctgagcaag ctgcttcgat 1260 gtagaatata tacatatcat taccgattat ccgtatcacg gttggggcga aactagaact 1320 accgttgtag ctagagcatt ggattgtaga aaccacaaca tttcattatt ttgtaattgc 1380 ttgagactga atgggggata cccatgtcgg gctagatcaa aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaa 1440 aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaa 1500 aaaaaaaaaa aaaaa 1515 22 377 PRT Zea mays 22 Met Ala Leu Met Leu Leu Ala Arg Asn Leu Arg Ser Arg Leu Arg Pro 1 5 10 15 Pro Leu Ala Ala Ala Ala Ala Phe Ser Ser Ala Ala Ala Glu Ala Glu 20 25 30 Arg Ala Ile Arg Asp Gly Pro Arg Asn Asp Trp Ser Arg Pro Glu Ile 35 40 45 Gln Ala Val Tyr Asp Ser Pro Leu Leu Asp Leu Leu Phe His Gly Ala 50 55 60 Gln Val His Arg Asn Val His Lys Phe Arg Glu Val Gln Gln Cys Thr 65 70 75 80 Leu Leu Ser Ile Lys Thr Gly Gly Cys Ser Glu Asp Cys Ser Tyr Cys 85 90 95 Pro Gln Ser Ser Arg Tyr Asn Thr Gly Leu Lys Ala Gln Lys Leu Met 100 105 110 Asn Lys Asp Ala Val Leu Glu Ala Ala Lys Lys Ala Lys Glu Ser Gly 115 120 125 Ser Thr Arg Phe Cys Met Gly Ala Ala Trp Arg Glu Thr Ile Gly Arg 130 135 140 Lys Ser Asn Phe Asn Gln Ile Leu Glu Tyr Val Lys Glu Ile Arg Gly 145 150 155 160 Met Gly Met Glu Val Cys Cys Thr Leu Gly Met Ile Glu Lys Gln Gln 165 170 175 Ala Glu Glu Leu Lys Lys Ala Gly Leu Thr Ala Tyr Asn His Asn Leu 180 185 190 Asp Thr Ser Arg Glu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Ile Ile Thr Thr Arg Ser Tyr 195 200 205 Asp Asp Arg Leu Gln Thr Leu Glu His Val Arg Glu Ala Gly Ile Ser 210 215 220 Ile Cys Ser Gly Gly Ile Ile Gly Leu Gly Glu Ala Glu Glu Asp Arg 225 230 235 240 Val Gly Leu Leu His Thr Leu Ala Thr Leu Pro Thr His Pro Glu Ser 245 250 255 Val Pro Ile Asn Ala Leu Val Ala Val Lys Gly Thr Pro Leu Glu Asp 260 265 270 Gln Lys Pro Val Glu Ile Trp Glu Met Ile Arg Met Ile Ala Thr Ala 275 280 285 Arg Ile Thr Met Pro Lys Ala Met Val Arg Leu Ser Ala Gly Arg Val 290 295 300 Arg Phe Ser Met Pro Glu Gln Ala Leu Cys Phe Leu Ala Gly Ala Asn 305 310 315 320 Ser Ile Phe Ala Gly Glu Lys Leu Leu Thr Thr Ala Asn Asn Asp Phe 325 330 335 Asp Ala Asp Gln Ala Met Phe Lys Ile Leu Gly Leu Ile Pro Lys Ala 340 345 350 Pro Ser Phe Gly Glu Glu Glu Val Ser Ala Ala Ala Pro Ala Glu Ser 355 360 365 Glu Arg Ser Glu Gln Ala Ala Ser Met 370 375 23 1439 DNA Zea mays 23 gcacgagggc gaggagcgtg caattccgta gctgcaacga actccctcga ccgtatcgcc 60 cgctgctcct ctatcccttt cctgctgctg ctactacctt aagctatcac tatcatggcc 120 ttgatgctgc tagcgcgcaa cctgcgctcc cgcctccgcc caccgctcgc cgccgccgcg 180 gcgttctcgt cggccgcggc ggaggcggag agggcgatac gggacgggcc gcggaacgac 240 tggagccggc ccgagatcca ggccgtctac gactcaccgc tcctcgacct cctctttcac 300 ggggctcagg tccacagaaa tgtccataaa ttcagagaag tgcagcaatg cacacttctt 360 tcaatcaaga ctggtggatg cagtgaagat tgttcttact gtcctcagtc atcaagatac 420 aacactggat tgaaggccca aaaattgatg aacaaatatg ctgtcttgga agcagcaaaa 480 aaggcaaaag agtctgggag cacccgtttt tgcatgggag ctgcatggag agaaaccatt 540 ggcaggaaat caaacttcaa ccagattctt gaatatgtca aggaaataag gggtatgggc 600 atggaggtct gttgcacact aggcatgata gagaaacaac aagctgaaga actcaagaag 660 gctggactta cagcatataa tcataaccta gatacatcaa gagagtatta tcccaacatt 720 attaccacaa gatcatatga tgatagactg cagactcttg agcatgtccg tgaagctgga 780 ataagcatct gctcaggtgg aatcattggt cttggtgaag cagaggagga ccgggtaggg 840 ttgttgcata ccctagctac cttgcctaca cacccagaga gcgttcctat taatgcattg 900 gttgctgtaa aaggcacacc tcttgaggac cagaagcctg tagagatctg ggaaatgatc 960 cgcatgatcg ccactgctcg gatcacgatg ccaaaggcaa tggtgaggct ttcagcaggc 1020 cgagtacggt tctcgatgcc agaacaagcg ctgtgcttcc tcgctggggc caactccatc 1080 tttgccggcg agaaacttct cacaaccgca aacaacgact ttgatgcgga ccaggcgatg 1140 ttcaagatcc ttggcctgat ccccaaggct ccaagctttg gcgaggaaga ggcgtctgcg 1200 gcggctccca cagaatccga gaggtctgag caagctgctt cgatgtagaa tatatacata 1260 tcattaccga ttatccgtat cacggttggg gcgaaactag aactaccgtt gtagctagag 1320 cattggattg tagaaaccac aacatttcat tattttgtaa ttgcttgaga ctgaatgggg 1380 gatacccatg tcgggctaga tcaatggaca acttccacac aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaa 1439 24 377 PRT Zea mays 24 Met Ala Leu Met Leu Leu Ala Arg Asn Leu Arg Ser Arg Leu Arg Pro 1 5 10 15 Pro Leu Ala Ala Ala Ala Ala Phe Ser Ser Ala Ala Ala Glu Ala Glu 20 25 30 Arg Ala Ile Arg Asp Gly Pro Arg Asn Asp Trp Ser Arg Pro Glu Ile 35 40 45 Gln Ala Val Tyr Asp Ser Pro Leu Leu Asp Leu Leu Phe His Gly Ala 50 55 60 Gln Val His Arg Asn Val His Lys Phe Arg Glu Val Gln Gln Cys Thr 65 70 75 80 Leu Leu Ser Ile Lys Thr Gly Gly Cys Ser Glu Asp Cys Ser Tyr Cys 85 90 95 Pro Gln Ser Ser Arg Tyr Asn Thr Gly Leu Lys Ala Gln Lys Leu Met 100 105 110 Asn Lys Tyr Ala Val Leu Glu Ala Ala Lys Lys Ala Lys Glu Ser Gly 115 120 125 Ser Thr Arg Phe Cys Met Gly Ala Ala Trp Arg Glu Thr Ile Gly Arg 130 135 140 Lys Ser Asn Phe Asn Gln Ile Leu Glu Tyr Val Lys Glu Ile Arg Gly 145 150 155 160 Met Gly Met Glu Val Cys Cys Thr Leu Gly Met Ile Glu Lys Gln Gln 165 170 175 Ala Glu Glu Leu Lys Lys Ala Gly Leu Thr Ala Tyr Asn His Asn Leu 180 185 190 Asp Thr Ser Arg Glu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Ile Ile Thr Thr Arg Ser Tyr 195 200 205 Asp Asp Arg Leu Gln Thr Leu Glu His Val Arg Glu Ala Gly Ile Ser 210 215 220 Ile Cys Ser Gly Gly Ile Ile Gly Leu Gly Glu Ala Glu Glu Asp Arg 225 230 235 240 Val Gly Leu Leu His Thr Leu Ala Thr Leu Pro Thr His Pro Glu Ser 245 250 255 Val Pro Ile Asn Ala Leu Val Ala Val Lys Gly Thr Pro Leu Glu Asp 260 265 270 Gln Lys Pro Val Glu Ile Trp Glu Met Ile Arg Met Ile Ala Thr Ala 275 280 285 Arg Ile Thr Met Pro Lys Ala Met Val Arg Leu Ser Ala Gly Arg Val 290 295 300 Arg Phe Ser Met Pro Glu Gln Ala Leu Cys Phe Leu Ala Gly Ala Asn 305 310 315 320 Ser Ile Phe Ala Gly Glu Lys Leu Leu Thr Thr Ala Asn Asn Asp Phe 325 330 335 Asp Ala Asp Gln Ala Met Phe Lys Ile Leu Gly Leu Ile Pro Lys Ala 340 345 350 Pro Ser Phe Gly Glu Glu Glu Ala Ser Ala Ala Ala Pro Thr Glu Ser 355 360 365 Glu Arg Ser Glu Gln Ala Ala Ser Met 370 375 25 1477 DNA Argemone mexicana 25 gcacgagcat tcgagaaata aagagctgta aaatttttag ggtttttctg cataactcta 60 cactcgaagc ttcatcaata gaaatatcat aaacagaaga attcaaaatg cttaaagttc 120 aatctttgag agctcgtctt cgacctttga ttttcatttc tacattttct tctctctcat 180 catcttcttc ttcttcagct gctgctgttc aagcagaaag aacgattaaa gaaggtccaa 240 gaaacgattg gagcagagat gaaattaaat cggtttatga ttctccagtt ctcgatcttc 300 tcttccatgc agctcaagtc catagacatg ctcacaactt cagggaagtg cagcaatgta 360 ctcttctctc tgttaagaca ggtgggtgca gtgaagattg ttcatattgt ccacaatctt 420 ccaggtatga cactggagtg aaagcccaaa agctgatgaa caaggacgca gttctgcagg 480 cagcagaaaa ggcaaaggag gcgggtagta cacgtttctg catgggtgct gcatggagag 540 atacagtggg caggaagacc aacttcaaac agatcctcga atatgtaaaa gaaattcggg 600 gtatgggaat ggaggtatgc tgcactttag gcatgatcga gaagcagcaa gctgtggaac 660 tcaagcaggc tgggctcaca gcttacaatc ataatcttga tacttcaaga gagtattacc 720 ctaacatcat caccacaaga tcttacgatg agcgcttgga aactcttcag ttcgtccggg 780 aagcagggat caatgtctgc tcaggaggaa taatagggct aggagaagca gaggaggatc 840 gagttggtct tttgcataca ctagcaacgc ttccttcaca tccagaaagt gttcccatca 900 atgcattgct tgcagtcaaa ggcacacctc ttgaagatca gaagccagtt gaaatatggg 960 agatgattcg gatgattgct actgctagaa ttgtaatgcc aaaagcaatg gtcaggctat 1020 cagcaggtcg tgttcgattt tccatgtccg agcaagctct ctgcttcctt gctggcgcca 1080 attccatctt cactggtgag aaactattga caactcccaa caatgatttt gacgcagatc 1140 aaatgatgtt taagatttta gggctgacac caaaagctcc aaattttgac caaacatcaa 1200 catctttcga agccgagaga tgtgaacaag aagcaactgc gtcatagttc ttgcttcgat 1260 gagattatat atttatccaa atgaagaaat tcccgtccac cgtgtaagct tctttctttt 1320 acatgaagtt tctttgtatg aattatgaaa cctccaaaat aagctatact atttataaca 1380 ggaagttact gctaaatttt caattccatg ggaaatctat tttatgaact caaaaaaaaa 1440 aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaa 1477 26 379 PRT Argemone mexicana 26 Met Leu Lys Val Gln Ser Leu Arg Ala Arg Leu Arg Pro Leu Ile Phe 1 5 10 15 Ile Ser Thr Phe Ser Ser Leu Ser Ser Ser Ser Ser Ser Ser Ala Ala 20 25 30 Ala Val Gln Ala Glu Arg Thr Ile Lys Glu Gly Pro Arg Asn Asp Trp 35 40 45 Ser Arg Asp Glu Ile Lys Ser Val Tyr Asp Ser Pro Val Leu Asp Leu 50 55 60 Leu Phe His Ala Ala Gln Val His Arg His Ala His Asn Phe Arg Glu 65 70 75 80 Val Gln Gln Cys Thr Leu Leu Ser Val Lys Thr Gly Gly Cys Ser Glu 85 90 95 Asp Cys Ser Tyr Cys Pro Gln Ser Ser Arg Tyr Asp Thr Gly Val Lys 100 105 110 Ala Gln Lys Leu Met Asn Lys Asp Ala Val Leu Gln Ala Ala Glu Lys 115 120 125 Ala Lys Glu Ala Gly Ser Thr Arg Phe Cys Met Gly Ala Ala Trp Arg 130 135 140 Asp Thr Val Gly Arg Lys Thr Asn Phe Lys Gln Ile Leu Glu Tyr Val 145 150 155 160 Lys Glu Ile Arg Gly Met Gly Met Glu Val Cys Cys Thr Leu Gly Met 165 170 175 Ile Glu Lys Gln Gln Ala Val Glu Leu Lys Gln Ala Gly Leu Thr Ala 180 185 190 Tyr Asn His Asn Leu Asp Thr Ser Arg Glu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Ile Ile 195 200 205 Thr Thr Arg Ser Tyr Asp Glu Arg Leu Glu Thr Leu Gln Phe Val Arg 210 215 220 Glu Ala Gly Ile Asn Val Cys Ser Gly Gly Ile Ile Gly Leu Gly Glu 225 230 235 240 Ala Glu Glu Asp Arg Val Gly Leu Leu His Thr Leu Ala Thr Leu Pro 245 250 255 Ser His Pro Glu Ser Val Pro Ile Asn Ala Leu Leu Ala Val Lys Gly 260 265 270 Thr Pro Leu Glu Asp Gln Lys Pro Val Glu Ile Trp Glu Met Ile Arg 275 280 285 Met Ile Ala Thr Ala Arg Ile Val Met Pro Lys Ala Met Val Arg Leu 290 295 300 Ser Ala Gly Arg Val Arg Phe Ser Met Ser Glu Gln Ala Leu Cys Phe 305 310 315 320 Leu Ala Gly Ala Asn Ser Ile Phe Thr Gly Glu Lys Leu Leu Thr Thr 325 330 335 Pro Asn Asn Asp Phe Asp Ala Asp Gln Met Met Phe Lys Ile Leu Gly 340 345 350 Leu Thr Pro Lys Ala Pro Asn Phe Asp Gln Thr Ser Thr Ser Phe Glu 355 360 365 Ala Glu Arg Cys Glu Gln Glu Ala Thr Ala Ser 370 375 27 1526 DNA Glycine max 27 gcacgagcta gtactgctcc ctctgcgact tcgtttcgta gagggatttt ggccgccaaa 60 taaacagtct caccataaac tccaaagtcc caacgctaaa cgaaaccaaa ccccaaacac 120 aaataccgtt gttgtctgtt gtctctgtcg tgtctatatt cgcagatctc tcactcattc 180 tctgttgttt ctctgcccaa cttcgaattc gaaagcaaaa acatgttttt ggcgagaccc 240 attttccgag caccctccct ttgggcgttg cactcttcct acgcgtattc ctctgcctca 300 gcagctgcaa ttcaagctga gagagccatc aaagaaggac ccagaaacga ttggagccga 360 gaccaagtca aatccatcta cgactctccc attctcgatc ttctcttcca tggggctcaa 420 gttcacagac atgctcataa cttcagggaa gttcagcagt gtactcttct gtctatcaaa 480 acaggagggt gcagtgaaga ttgttcctat tgtcctcaat cctctaagta tgatacagga 540 gtcaaaggcc aacgccttat gaacaaggaa gctgttctac aggctgcaaa gaaggcaaaa 600 gaggctggga gcactcgctt ttgtatgggt gctgcatgga gggatacact gggaagaaag 660 accaacttca accagatcct tgaatatgtg aaagacataa gggacatggg aatggaggtt 720 tgttgcaccc ttggcatgct ggagaaacag caggctgttg aactcaagaa ggcaggtctc 780 actgcctata atcacaatct tgacacttca agggagtatt atccaaacat catcacaaca 840 aggacttatg atgagcgtct tcaaaccctt gagtttgttc gtgatgcagg gatcaatgtt 900 tgttctggag gaattatagg gcttggagaa gcagaggagg atcgtgtagg tttgttacat 960 acattgtcaa cacttcccac ccatccagag agtgttccta ttaatgcact tgttgctgta 1020 aagggaaccc ctcttgagga tcagaagcct gttgaaatat gggagatgat tcgcatgata 1080 gcaactgcac gtatcgtaat gccaaaagca atggtcaggt tatcagctgg cagagttcga 1140 ttctccatgc ctgagcaggc attgtgcttt cttgctggtg caaattctat attcactggt 1200 gaaaagcttc tcactactcc taacaatgat tttgatgctg atcaactcat gtttaaagtt 1260 cttggacttc tcccaaaagc tccaagctta catgaaggtg aaactagtgt gacagaagat 1320 tataaggaag cagcttcttc tagttgagtt gtcaacggtt tcaaaacaat atctgtgatc 1380 cttcaacttc tctaattgct cattagcatg tactgatgtt aggtttcatt gaatttgtct 1440 aatctcagct ttgaagacac aaactccaac acttaaaaat aaatattgaa attattgatt 1500 tttccctaaa aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaa 1526 28 415 PRT Glycine max 28 Thr Lys Pro Asn Pro Lys His Lys Tyr Arg Cys Cys Leu Leu Ser Leu 1 5 10 15 Ser Cys Leu Tyr Ser Gln Ile Ser His Ser Phe Ser Val Val Ser Leu 20 25 30 Pro Asn Phe Glu Phe Glu Ser Lys Asn Met Phe Leu Ala Arg Pro Ile 35 40 45 Phe Arg Ala Pro Ser Leu Trp Ala Leu His Ser Ser Tyr Ala Tyr Ser 50 55 60 Ser Ala Ser Ala Ala Ala Ile Gln Ala Glu Arg Ala Ile Lys Glu Gly 65 70 75 80 Pro Arg Asn Asp Trp Ser Arg Asp Gln Val Lys Ser Ile Tyr Asp Ser 85 90 95 Pro Ile Leu Asp Leu Leu Phe His Gly Ala Gln Val His Arg His Ala 100 105 110 His Asn Phe Arg Glu Val Gln Gln Cys Thr Leu Leu Ser Ile Lys Thr 115 120 125 Gly Gly Cys Ser Glu Asp Cys Ser Tyr Cys Pro Gln Ser Ser Lys Tyr 130 135 140 Asp Thr Gly Val Lys Gly Gln Arg Leu Met Asn Lys Glu Ala Val Leu 145 150 155 160 Gln Ala Ala Lys Lys Ala Lys Glu Ala Gly Ser Thr Arg Phe Cys Met 165 170 175 Gly Ala Ala Trp Arg Asp Thr Leu Gly Arg Lys Thr Asn Phe Asn Gln 180 185 190 Ile Leu Glu Tyr Val Lys Asp Ile Arg Asp Met Gly Met Glu Val Cys 195 200 205 Cys Thr Leu Gly Met Leu Glu Lys Gln Gln Ala Val Glu Leu Lys Lys 210 215 220 Ala Gly Leu Thr Ala Tyr Asn His Asn Leu Asp Thr Ser Arg Glu Tyr 225 230 235 240 Tyr Pro Asn Ile Ile Thr Thr Arg Thr Tyr Asp Glu Arg Leu Gln Thr 245 250 255 Leu Glu Phe Val Arg Asp Ala Gly Ile Asn Val Cys Ser Gly Gly Ile 260 265 270 Ile Gly Leu Gly Glu Ala Glu Glu Asp Arg Val Gly Leu Leu His Thr 275 280 285 Leu Ser Thr Leu Pro Thr His Pro Glu Ser Val Pro Ile Asn Ala Leu 290 295 300 Val Ala Val Lys Gly Thr Pro Leu Glu Asp Gln Lys Pro Val Glu Ile 305 310 315 320 Trp Glu Met Ile Arg Met Ile Ala Thr Ala Arg Ile Val Met Pro Lys 325 330 335 Ala Met Val Arg Leu Ser Ala Gly Arg Val Arg Phe Ser Met Pro Glu 340 345 350 Gln Ala Leu Cys Phe Leu Ala Gly Ala Asn Ser Ile Phe Thr Gly Glu 355 360 365 Lys Leu Leu Thr Thr Pro Asn Asn Asp Phe Asp Ala Asp Gln Leu Met 370 375 380 Phe Lys Val Leu Gly Leu Leu Pro Lys Ala Pro Ser Leu His Glu Gly 385 390 395 400 Glu Thr Ser Val Thr Glu Asp Tyr Lys Glu Ala Ala Ser Ser Ser 405 410 415 29 1659 DNA Glycine max 29 aaagagtgta tacagataga tttccaaact ccactcactc accactatgg cgactctcag 60 aacttcccta tcacgatccc tcatcctcct tcgctccaat acccctaaac tcgcacctat 120 ctcttcctct gttcgtcttc aagttcaaaa gtcgagaaac tatggtaccg tatcatctgt 180 tcctcctcaa gctacagaaa catcaagcac atcacctagt aaggatgtct accaagaagc 240 actcaacgca actgaacccc gcagcaattg gacaagagaa gaaatcaagg cgatctatga 300 taagccattg atggagttat gttggggtgc tggtagtttg cacaggaaat tccatatacc 360 tggggctatt cagatgtgta cattgttgaa catcaagacg ggtggttgct cggaggattg 420 ttcttactgc gcccaatcat cccgctacca aaccggtctc aaagcctcca aaatggtctc 480 cgtcgaatct gtcctcgcag ccgcccgcat cgccaaagac aacggtagta cacgtttctg 540 catgggagcc gcgtggcgcg atatgcgtgg acgaaaaacc aatctcaaaa atgtcaaaac 600 aatggttagc gagattcgcg gaatgggtat ggaagtatgt gtcacgcttg gtatgattga 660 tgcagagcaa gctcaggaac tcaaagaagc cggtctcacg gcttataatc ataatgtgga 720 tacgtcgagg gatttctatc ccaaggttat cacgaccagg acttatgatg agagattgga 780 taccattaag aatgtgagag aggccggaat caatgtttgt acgggtggaa tcctcggatt 840 aggagaaaat aagtctgacc atattggact tttggagacg gttgctacgt tgccttcgca 900 tccggaatca tttcctgtga acatgttagt ggctatcaaa ggaacaccac tggaaggaaa 960 caagaaggtg gaatttgaga atatgttgag aatggttgcg acggctagaa tcgtcatgcc 1020 taaaaccatc gtgcgtttgg cagctggaag aggagaattg agcgaggaac aacaggtctt 1080 atgtttcatg gccggagcca atgccgtttt cacaggagaa acaatgttaa ccacaccagc 1140 cgttggatgg ggtgtcgatt ccgtcgtttt caacagatgg ggattaagac ccatggaaag 1200 tttcgaggtt gaagccttga agaacgataa acctgccact actaatacgg aaataccggt 1260 agaggcaagt aaggcagaga tgccaggtac agttgcttga ttgattgttt gatttggata 1320 cccagggcgt ttggtgcgct catcatctcg agtttttgca aggagattcg aacagtggaa 1380 gtgccgttgc gccaccattg ggattggcgt atcggactga gattgactgt gccacgaaaa 1440 tgttttgcgc tatcgtgtgt tgtcatctcg tgggaattta gcgttgtttg ttttgttttt 1500 ggttttgttt gatgtgagag aatgattgtt tagaagggga gaatgtatat acggaacagt 1560 agaatatatt cttgtctata agattatata ggataaatat atataagctt atcctcaaaa 1620 aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaa 1659 30 417 PRT Glycine max 30 Met Ala Thr Leu Arg Thr Ser Leu Ser Arg Ser Leu Ile Leu Leu Arg 1 5 10 15 Ser Asn Thr Pro Lys Leu Ala Pro Ile Ser Ser Ser Val Arg Leu Gln 20 25 30 Val Gln Lys Ser Arg Asn Tyr Gly Thr Val Ser Ser Val Pro Pro Gln 35 40 45 Ala Thr Glu Thr Ser Ser Thr Ser Pro Ser Lys Asp Val Tyr Gln Glu 50 55 60 Ala Leu Asn Ala Thr Glu Pro Arg Ser Asn Trp Thr Arg Glu Glu Ile 65 70 75 80 Lys Ala Ile Tyr Asp Lys Pro Leu Met Glu Leu Cys Trp Gly Ala Gly 85 90 95 Ser Leu His Arg Lys Phe His Ile Pro Gly Ala Ile Gln Met Cys Thr 100 105 110 Leu Leu Asn Ile Lys Thr Gly Gly Cys Ser Glu Asp Cys Ser Tyr Cys 115 120 125 Ala Gln Ser Ser Arg Tyr Gln Thr Gly Leu Lys Ala Ser Lys Met Val 130 135 140 Ser Val Glu Ser Val Leu Ala Ala Ala Arg Ile Ala Lys Asp Asn Gly 145 150 155 160 Ser Thr Arg Phe Cys Met Gly Ala Ala Trp Arg Asp Met Arg Gly Arg 165 170 175 Lys Thr Asn Leu Lys Asn Val Lys Thr Met Val Ser Glu Ile Arg Gly 180 185 190 Met Gly Met Glu Val Cys Val Thr Leu Gly Met Ile Asp Ala Glu Gln 195 200 205 Ala Gln Glu Leu Lys Glu Ala Gly Leu Thr Ala Tyr Asn His Asn Val 210 215 220 Asp Thr Ser Arg Asp Phe Tyr Pro Lys Val Ile Thr Thr Arg Thr Tyr 225 230 235 240 Asp Glu Arg Leu Asp Thr Ile Lys Asn Val Arg Glu Ala Gly Ile Asn 245 250 255 Val Cys Thr Gly Gly Ile Leu Gly Leu Gly Glu Asn Lys Ser Asp His 260 265 270 Ile Gly Leu Leu Glu Thr Val Ala Thr Leu Pro Ser His Pro Glu Ser 275 280 285 Phe Pro Val Asn Met Leu Val Ala Ile Lys Gly Thr Pro Leu Glu Gly 290 295 300 Asn Lys Lys Val Glu Phe Glu Asn Met Leu Arg Met Val Ala Thr Ala 305 310 315 320 Arg Ile Val Met Pro Lys Thr Ile Val Arg Leu Ala Ala Gly Arg Gly 325 330 335 Glu Leu Ser Glu Glu Gln Gln Val Leu Cys Phe Met Ala Gly Ala Asn 340 345 350 Ala Val Phe Thr Gly Glu Thr Met Leu Thr Thr Pro Ala Val Gly Trp 355 360 365 Gly Val Asp Ser Val Val Phe Asn Arg Trp Gly Leu Arg Pro Met Glu 370 375 380 Ser Phe Glu Val Glu Ala Leu Lys Asn Asp Lys Pro Ala Thr Thr Asn 385 390 395 400 Thr Glu Ile Pro Val Glu Ala Ser Lys Ala Glu Met Pro Gly Thr Val 405 410 415 Ala 31 1032 DNA Triticum aestivum 31 gcacgagaga tgccgtccta gaagcagcaa aaaaggcaaa ggaggctggg agcacccgat 60 tttgcatggg agccgcatgg agagagacaa ttggcaggaa aacaaatttc aaccagattc 120 ttgaatatgt caaggacata agaggtatgg gcatggaggt ctgttgcacc ctgggcatgc 180 tagagaaaca acaagctgaa gaactcaaga aggctggact tacagcttat aatcataacc 240 tagatacatc aagagaatat taccccaaca ttatttctac aagatcgtac gatgatagat 300 tacagactct tcagcatgtc cgtgaagctg gaataagcgt ctgctcaggt ggaattattg 360 gtcttggaga ggcggaggaa gaccgtgtag ggctgttgca tacactggcc actttgccaa 420 cacacccaga gagcgttcct atcaatgcat tgattgctgt caaaggcacg cctcttcagg 480 atcagaagcc tgtagagata tgggaaatga tccgcatgat tgccagcgca cggattgtga 540 tgccaaaggc aatggtgaga ctttcggcag ggagagtacg gttttccatg ccagaacaag 600 ctctctgctt tctcgctggg gccaactcga tcttcgccgg tgaaaagctc ctgacaactg 660 cgaacaatga ctttgatgcg gaccaggcaa tgttcaagat ccttggcctg attcccaagg 720 ctccaaactt tggcgatgaa gaggtcatgg tagcagcacc cacggagaga tgtgagcaag 780 ccgctttgat gtaaaatgtc ggtatagatt ctcgagacca catccggtgc aaaactggca 840 ccattatctc cacctagagt tttgtactgt agagatcatg acattttata gtaacttcag 900 attcatcgaa ataaaatagg gggttctctg caaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaa 960 aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaa 1020 aaaaaaaaaa aa 1032 32 263 PRT Triticum aestivum 32 Thr Arg Asp Ala Val Leu Glu Ala Ala Lys Lys Ala Lys Glu Ala Gly 1 5 10 15 Ser Thr Arg Phe Cys Met Gly Ala Ala Trp Arg Glu Thr Ile Gly Arg 20 25 30 Lys Thr Asn Phe Asn Gln Ile Leu Glu Tyr Val Lys Asp Ile Arg Gly 35 40 45 Met Gly Met Glu Val Cys Cys Thr Leu Gly Met Leu Glu Lys Gln Gln 50 55 60 Ala Glu Glu Leu Lys Lys Ala Gly Leu Thr Ala Tyr Asn His Asn Leu 65 70 75 80 Asp Thr Ser Arg Glu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Ile Ile Ser Thr Arg Ser Tyr 85 90 95 Asp Asp Arg Leu Gln Thr Leu Gln His Val Arg Glu Ala Gly Ile Ser 100 105 110 Val Cys Ser Gly Gly Ile Ile Gly Leu Gly Glu Ala Glu Glu Asp Arg 115 120 125 Val Gly Leu Leu His Thr Leu Ala Thr Leu Pro Thr His Pro Glu Ser 130 135 140 Val Pro Ile Asn Ala Leu Ile Ala Val Lys Gly Thr Pro Leu Gln Asp 145 150 155 160 Gln Lys Pro Val Glu Ile Trp Glu Met Ile Arg Met Ile Ala Ser Ala 165 170 175 Arg Ile Val Met Pro Lys Ala Met Val Arg Leu Ser Ala Gly Arg Val 180 185 190 Arg Phe Ser Met Pro Glu Gln Ala Leu Cys Phe Leu Ala Gly Ala Asn 195 200 205 Ser Ile Phe Ala Gly Glu Lys Leu Leu Thr Thr Ala Asn Asn Asp Phe 210 215 220 Asp Ala Asp Gln Ala Met Phe Lys Ile Leu Gly Leu Ile Pro Lys Ala 225 230 235 240 Pro Asn Phe Gly Asp Glu Glu Val Met Val Ala Ala Pro Thr Glu Arg 245 250 255 Cys Glu Gln Ala Ala Leu Met 260 33 378 PRT Arabidopsis thaliana 33 Met Met Leu Val Arg Ser Val Phe Arg Ser Gln Leu Arg Pro Ser Val 1 5 10 15 Ser Gly Gly Leu Gln Ser Ala Ser Cys Tyr Ser Ser Leu Ser Ala Ala 20 25 30 Ser Ala Glu Ala Glu Arg Thr Ile Arg Glu Gly Pro Arg Asn Asp Trp 35 40 45 Ser Arg Asp Glu Ile Lys Ser Val Tyr Asp Ser Pro Leu Leu Asp Leu 50 55 60 Leu Phe His Gly Ala Gln Val His Arg His Val His Asn Phe Arg Glu 65 70 75 80 Val Gln Gln Cys Thr Leu Leu Ser Ile Lys Thr Gly Gly Cys Ser Glu 85 90 95 Asp Cys Ser Tyr Cys Pro Gln Ser Ser Arg Tyr Ser Thr Gly Val Lys 100 105 110 Ala Gln Arg Leu Met Ser Lys Asp Ala Val Ile Asp Ala Ala Lys Lys 115 120 125 Ala Lys Glu Ala Gly Ser Thr Arg Phe Cys Met Gly Ala Ala Trp Arg 130 135 140 Asp Thr Ile Gly Arg Lys Thr Asn Phe Ser Gln Ile Leu Glu Tyr Ile 145 150 155 160 Lys Glu Ile Arg Gly Met Gly Met Glu Val Cys Cys Thr Leu Gly Met 165 170 175 Ile Glu Lys Gln Gln Ala Leu Glu Leu Lys Lys Ala Gly Leu Thr Ala 180 185 190 Tyr Asn His Asn Leu Asp Thr Ser Arg Glu Tyr Tyr Pro Asn Val Ile 195 200 205 Thr Thr Arg Ser Tyr Asp Asp Arg Leu Glu Thr Leu Ser His Val Arg 210 215 220 Asp Ala Gly Ile Asn Val Cys Ser Gly Gly Ile Ile Gly Leu Gly Glu 225 230 235 240 Ala Glu Glu Asp Arg Ile Gly Leu Leu His Thr Leu Ala Thr Leu Pro 245 250 255 Ser His Pro Glu Ser Val Pro Ile Asn Ala Leu Leu Ala Val Lys Gly 260 265 270 Thr Pro Leu Glu Asp Gln Lys Pro Val Glu Ile Trp Glu Met Ile Arg 275 280 285 Met Ile Gly Thr Ala Arg Ile Val Met Pro Lys Ala Met Val Arg Leu 290 295 300 Ser Ala Gly Arg Val Arg Phe Ser Met Ser Glu Gln Ala Leu Cys Phe 305 310 315 320 Leu Ala Gly Ala Asn Ser Ile Phe Thr Gly Glu Lys Leu Leu Thr Thr 325 330 335 Pro Asn Asn Asp Phe Asp Ala Asp Gln Leu Met Phe Lys Thr Leu Gly 340 345 350 Leu Ile Pro Lys Pro Pro Ser Phe Ser Glu Asp Asp Ser Glu Ser Glu 355 360 365 Asn Cys Glu Lys Val Ala Ser Ala Ser His 370 375 34 363 PRT Schizosaccharomyces pombe 34 Met Phe Thr Arg Thr Ile Arg Gln Gln Ile Arg Arg Ser Ser Ala Leu 1 5 10 15 Ser Leu Val Arg Asn Asn Trp Thr Arg Glu Glu Ile Gln Lys Ile Tyr 20 25 30 Asp Thr Pro Leu Ile Asp Leu Ile Phe Arg Ala Ala Ser Ile His Arg 35 40 45 Lys Phe His Asp Pro Lys Lys Val Gln Gln Cys Thr Leu Leu Ser Ile 50 55 60 Lys Thr Gly Gly Cys Thr Glu Asp Cys Lys Tyr Cys Ala Gln Ser Ser 65 70 75 80 Arg Tyr Asn Thr Gly Val Lys Ala Thr Lys Leu Met Lys Ile Asp Glu 85 90 95 Val Leu Glu Lys Ala Lys Ile Ala Lys Ala Lys Gly Ser Thr Arg Phe 100 105 110 Cys Met Gly Ser Ala Trp Arg Asp Leu Asn Gly Arg Asn Arg Thr Phe 115 120 125 Lys Asn Ile Leu Glu Ile Ile Lys Glu Val Arg Ser Met Asp Met Glu 130 135 140 Val Cys Val Thr Leu Gly Met Leu Asn Glu Gln Gln Ala Lys Glu Leu 145 150 155 160 Lys Asp Ala Gly Leu Thr Ala Tyr Asn His Asn Leu Asp Thr Ser Arg 165 170 175 Glu Tyr Tyr Ser Lys Ile Ile Ser Thr Arg Thr Tyr Asp Glu Arg Leu 180 185 190 Asn Thr Ile Asp Asn Leu Arg Lys Ala Gly Leu Lys Val Cys Ser Gly 195 200 205 Gly Ile Leu Gly Leu Gly Glu Lys Lys His Asp Arg Val Gly Leu Ile 210 215 220 His Ser Leu Ala Thr Met Pro Thr His Pro Glu Ser Val Pro Phe Asn 225 230 235 240 Leu Leu Val Pro Ile Pro Gly Thr Pro Val Gly Asp Ala Val Lys Glu 245 250 255 Arg Leu Pro Ile His Pro Phe Leu Arg Ser Ile Ala Thr Ala Arg Ile 260 265 270 Cys Met Pro Lys Thr Ile Ile Arg Phe Ala Ala Gly Arg Asn Thr Cys 275 280 285 Ser Glu Ser Glu Gln Ala Leu Ala Phe Met Ala Gly Ala Asn Ala Val 290 295 300 Phe Thr Gly Glu Lys Met Leu Thr Thr Pro Ala Val Ser Trp Asp Ser 305 310 315 320 Asp Ser Gln Leu Phe Tyr Asn Trp Gly Leu Glu Gly Met Gln Ser Phe 325 330 335 Glu Tyr Gly Thr Ser Thr Glu Gly Glu Asp Gly Thr Phe Thr Leu Pro 340 345 350 Pro Lys Glu Arg Leu Ala Pro Ser Pro Ser Leu 355 360 35 375 PRT Saccharomyces cerevisiae 35 Met Met Ser Thr Ile Tyr Arg His Leu Ser Thr Ala Arg Pro Ala Leu 1 5 10 15 Thr Lys Tyr Ala Thr Asn Ala Ala Val Lys Ser Thr Thr Ala Ser Ser 20 25 30 Glu Ala Ser Thr Leu Gly Ala Leu Gln Tyr Ala Leu Ser Leu Asp Glu 35 40 45 Pro Ser His Ser Trp Thr Lys Ser Gln Leu Lys Glu Ile Tyr His Thr 50 55 60 Pro Leu Leu Glu Leu Thr His Ala Ala Gln Leu Gln His Arg Lys Trp 65 70 75 80 His Asp Pro Thr Lys Val Gln Leu Cys Thr Leu Met Asn Ile Lys Ser 85 90 95 Gly Gly Cys Ser Glu Asp Cys Lys Tyr Cys Ala Gln Ser Ser Arg Asn 100 105 110 Asp Thr Gly Leu Lys Ala Glu Lys Met Val Lys Val Asp Glu Val Ile 115 120 125 Lys Glu Ala Glu Glu Ala Lys Arg Asn Gly Ser Thr Arg Phe Cys Leu 130 135 140 Gly Ala Ala Trp Arg Asp Met Lys Gly Arg Lys Ser Ala Met Lys Arg 145 150 155 160 Ile Gln Glu Met Val Thr Lys Val Asn Asp Met Gly Leu Glu Thr Cys 165 170 175 Val Thr Leu Gly Met Val Asp Gln Asp Gln Ala Lys Gln Leu Lys Asp 180 185 190 Ala Gly Leu Thr Ala Tyr Asn His Asn Ile Asp Thr Ser Arg Glu His 195 200 205 Tyr Ser Lys Val Ile Thr Thr Arg Thr Tyr Asp Asp Arg Leu Gln Thr 210 215 220 Ile Lys Asn Val Gln Glu Ser Gly Ile Lys Ala Cys Thr Gly Gly Ile 225 230 235 240 Leu Gly Leu Gly Glu Ser Glu Asp Asp His Ile Gly Phe Ile Tyr Thr 245 250 255 Leu Ser Asn Met Ser Pro His Pro Glu Ser Leu Pro Ile Asn Arg Leu 260 265 270 Val Ala Ile Lys Gly Thr Pro Met Ala Glu Glu Leu Ala Asp Pro Lys 275 280 285 Ser Lys Lys Leu Gln Phe Asp Glu Ile Leu Arg Thr Ile Ala Thr Ala 290 295 300 Arg Ile Val Met Pro Lys Ala Ile Ile Arg Leu Ala Ala Gly Arg Tyr 305 310 315 320 Thr Met Lys Glu Thr Glu Gln Phe Val Cys Phe Met Ala Gly Cys Asn 325 330 335 Ser Ile Phe Thr Gly Lys Lys Met Leu Thr Thr Met Cys Asn Gly Trp 340 345 350 Asp Glu Asp Lys Ala Met Leu Ala Lys Trp Gly Leu Gln Pro Met Glu 355 360 365 Ala Phe Lys Tyr Asp Arg Ser 370 375 36 12 PRT Artificial sequence UNSURE (2) Xaa = ANY AMINO ACID 36 Gly Xaa Cys Xaa Glu Asp Cys Xaa Tyr Cys Xaa Gln 1 5 10 

What is claimed is:
 1. An isolated polynucleotide that encodes (1) a first polypeptide of at least 52 amino acids, the polypeptide having a sequence identity of at least 85% based on the Clustal method of alignment when compared to a second polypeptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16, or (2) a third polypeptide of at least 100 amino acids, the polypeptide having a sequence identity of at least 85% based on the Clustal method of alignment when compared to a fourth polypeptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ-ID NOs:18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and
 32. 2. A polynucleotide sequence of claim 1, wherein the sequence identity is at least 90%.
 3. A polynucleotide sequence of claim 1, wherein the sequence identity is at least 95%.
 4. The polynucleotide of claim 1 wherein the first is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14, and the third polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and
 32. 5. The polynucleotide of claim 1, wherein the polynucleotide comprises a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, and
 31. 6. The polynucleotide of claim 1, wherein the first or third polypeptide is a biotin synthase.
 7. An isolated complement of the polynucleotide of claim 1, wherein (a) the complement and the polynucleotide consist of the same number of nucleotides, and (b) the nucleotide sequences of the complement and the polynucleotide have 100% complementarity.
 8. An isolated nucleic acid molecule that (a) comprises at least 300 nucleotides and (b) remains hybridized with the isolated polynucleotide of claim 1 under a wash condition of 0.1×SSC, 0.1% SDS, and 65° C.
 9. A cell comprising the polynucleotide of claim
 1. 10. The cell of claim 9, wherein the-cell is selected from the group consisting of a yeast cell, a bacterial cell and a plant cell.
 11. A transgenic plant comprising the polynucleotide of claim
 1. 12. A method for transforming a cell comprising introducing into a cell the polynucleotide of claim
 1. 13. A method for producing a transgenic plant, comprising (a) transforming a plant cell with the polynucleotide of claim 1, and (b) regenerating a plant from the transformed plant cell.
 14. A method for producing a nucleic acid molecule comprising (a) selecting a polynucleotide of claim 1, and (b) synthesizing a nucleic acid molecule, containing the nucleotide sequence of the polynuclotide.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the nucleic acid molecule is produced in vivo.
 16. An isolated polypeptide selected from the group consisting of (1) a first polypeptide of at least 52 amino acids, which has a sequence identity of at least 85% based on the Clustal method compared to an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16; and (2) a second polypeptide of at least 100 amino acids, which has a sequence identity of at least 85% based on the Clustal method compared to an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and
 32. 17. The polypeptide of claim 16, wherein the sequence identity is at least 90%.
 18. The polypeptide of claim 16, wherein the sequence identity is at least 95%.
 19. The polypeptide of claim 16, wherein the polypeptide has a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30,and
 32. 20. The polypeptide of claim 16, wherein the polypeptide is a biotin synthase.
 21. A chimeric gene comprising the polynucleotide of claim 6 operably linked to at least one suitable regulatory sequence.
 22. A method for altering the level of biotin synthase expression in a host cell, the method comprising: (a) transforming a host cell with the chimeric gene of claim 21; and (b) growing the transformed cell in step (a) under conditions suitable for the expression of the chimeric gene.
 23. A method for evaluating a compound for its ability to inhibit the activity of a biotin synthase, the method comprising: (a) transforming a host cell with a chimeric gene of claim 21, (b) growing the transformed host cell under conditions suitable for expression of the chimeric gene wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of the biotin synthase; (c) optionally purifying the biotin synthase polypeptide expressed by the transformed host cell; (d) treating the biotin synthase polypeptide with a compound to be tested; and (e) comparing the activity of the biotin synthase polypeptide that has been treated with the test compound to the activity of an untreated biotin synthase polypeptide, thereby selecting compounds having inhibitory activity. 